ASHEVILLE - For the first time in its 42-year-old history, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina has been recognized with a Growth Award by its national office.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s 2023 Growth Award recognizes the hard work by BBBSWNC leadership and staff to provide high-quality programming for the children they serve, according to BBBSA.

Every year, BBBS agencies are recognized by BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, composed of local BBBS agency leaders and board members, for excellence in the organization’s signature one-to-one youth mentoring program. BBBSWNC, which serves North Carolina’s 18 mountain counties, is one of 100 organizations among 230 BBBS agencies nationwide to receive this top honor. 

The Growth Award recognizes agencies that have demonstrated growth in the number of youth - “Littles,” in BBBS parlance – and adult mentors - “Bigs” - who are matched through the program, year over year. 

To learn more about BBBSWNC, visit BBBSWNC.org. The organization has a large waiting list of children hoping for adults willing to talk and hang out. The time commitment is little, but the impact is big. Families with children who could benefit from the program are also invited to visit the BBBSWNC website.