BIG POTENTIAL
IN EAST TENNESSEE
ABOUT BBBS-EAST TENNESSEE
OUR VISION & MISSION
Our vision is that all children achieve their full potential.
Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) is not part of our work, it is our work. Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee (BBBS-ETN) is committed to remaining a welcoming and inclusive organization. We foster a culture that values the diversity of every member of BBBS-ETN’s community.
To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sister’s JEDI initiatives, click here.
OUR IMPACT
- Active Matches in 2021: 424
- New Matches Made in 2021: 133
- Number of Counties Served: 23
- Number of Counties with Active Matches: 9
- Youth Impact:
- 95% of Littles feel like they belong
- 97% of Littles are confident they can say no to drugs, violence, and skipping school
- 87% of Littles have better grades, academic goals, and confidence
To learn more about our impact, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s impact reports here.
ANNUAL REPORTS
We care about your gift the way you care for others, and we take that responsibility very seriously. As a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, we strive to be the best stewards of your gift in order to better serve its purpose: to serve more children with mentors, more effectively.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors
Our talented and dedicated Board of Directors leads the BBBS-ET agency in making important decisions and guiding the organization to success.
Current members:
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Click here to meet the BBBS-ETN staff.
Hall of Fame
In 2017, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East TN inducted the inaugural group of Hall of Fame members. The Hall of Fame is a platform to recognize those individuals who have been instrumental in providing direction, energy, and support to the shaping of BBBS-ETN since its inception in 1970. Each of the inductees has had a measurable impact on the organization as Bigs, Board and Committee members, fundraisers, and donors to the agency.
East Tennessee Mentor of the Year
In 2022, launched the East Tennessee Mentor of the Year award to honor a leader creating significant impact throughout our region. This award goes to someone that mentors every day professionally, personally, and philanthropically.
- 2022 Awardee Jim Clayton
- 2023 Awardee Pam Fansler
Bigs and Littles of the Year
Each year, BBBS-ETN honors two outstanding matches that have demonstrated the importance of a mentoring relationship that helps Littles achieve their biggest possible future and makes a long-lasting impact on the Big, too.
2015
- Chris and K’Vaughn, matched in 2005
- Megan and Alira, matched in 2008
2016
- Amy and J.J., matched in 2013
2017
- Rich and Kadir, matched in 2012
- Mallory and Aniyah, matched in 2014
2018
- Brent and Deontae, matched in 2014
- Sabrina and De’Aries, matched in 2011
- Stephanie and Jose, matched in 2018
2019
- Mike and Aaron, matched in 2015
- Laurie and Maria, match in 2012
2020
- Tyler and Josh, matched in 2016
- Dianne and Kristen, matched in 2019
2021
- Christopher and Tahj, matched in 2016
- Sharon and Jaslin, matched in 2018
2022
- David and Juan, matched in 2019
- Briana and Nyla, matched in 2013
2023
- Glenn and Coogie, matched in, 2013
- Barbara and Flora, matched in 2017
BIG ACHIEVEMENTS BIG PARTNERS
In addition to our dedicated volunteers, our work at BBBS-ETN wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous partners. By committing to a partnership with us, your contributions help support one-to-one mentoring relationships in East Tennessee. Join us in defending the potential of the youth in our community, one life-changing friendship at a time.
Is your business or organization interested in supporting our work? Contact us today and we will send you information, including our sponsorship levels and benefits.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee
AGENCY HISTORY
Founded
“Big Brothers of Knoxville” and “Knoxville Big Sisters Program” are established.
First Black Mentor
Beal Bourne, Big Brothers of Knoxville’s first Black mentor, is matched with Little Brother Leonard Winton III. Watch video.
Big Brothers & Big Sisters Merge
“Big Brothers of Knoxville” and “Knoxville Big Sisters Program” merge to become Big Brothers Big Sisters of Knoxville.
BBBS TN Valley Formed
BBBS East TN Created
Gold Standard Agency
BBBS-ETN is honored as a 2016 Gold Standard Agency by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Hall of Fame
BBBS-ETN names its inaugural Hall of Fame inductees – Agency co-founder and first Big Brother, Bo Shafer; former Board President and Big Brother, Bill Jolly; and Al Williams, another former Board President, Big Brother, and author of the book ‘A Friend Indeed,’ which was sold to raise funds for BBBS-ETN.
Pinnacle Award
Agency of the Year
50 Years of Service
Bo Shafer Mentoring Center
BBBS-ETN opens the Bo Shafer Mentoring Center, named after the agency’s founding Board President and Big Brother.