NEW YORK, January, 2012 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, today announced the launch of its 2012 city-wide mentor recruiting effort as part of National Mentoring Month, which is celebrated each January.

“National Mentoring Month is an incredible way to begin the year – raising awareness of the profound need for caring adults to volunteer as mentors, and celebrating that priceless gift,” said Hector Batista, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. “The power of mentoring is the power to change the lives of young people who are in need of positive role models. We encourage adults throughout the five boroughs to resolve to change a life in 2012.”

To celebrate this year’s National Mentoring Month, BBBS of NYC will host a number of recruitment drives, workshops, service projects and fundraisers, culminating in the Fourth Annual Tournament of Champions Pong on January 26 at Grand Central Terminal – a highly anticipated table tennis tournament to benefit BBBS of NYC. Public officials will also participate in special events throughout the month in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City.

In addition to these events, the organization’s Center for Training and Professional Development will offer educational seminars intended to help equip non-profit professionals outside BBBS of NYC to develop their own mentoring programs and capabilities.

Through this campaign, BBBS of NYC intends to inspire adults throughout New York City – particularly, men, for whom there is a greater need – to volunteer as mentors to children in need of positive role models. Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC currently serves more than 3,000 young people every year through a number of volunteer mentoring programs, with hundreds more waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Sister.

Mentoring is free and open to adults 21 or older, residing in the five boroughs. To become a volunteer mentor, donate, or learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC and National Mentoring Month, please log onto www.bigsnyc.org or call 212-686-2042. Businesses interested in joining the more than 45 corporations that already have Workplace Mentoring Programs can also email wmc@bigsnyc.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s oldest and largest youth mentoring organization, has served the changing needs of New York City’s most at-risk youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring programs to help children facing more complex challenges – including immigrant youth, teen mothers and children of incarcerated parents – as well as the Workplace Mentoring Program, which helps businesses throughout New York City positively impact the lives of young people and build a foundation for professional success. Additionally, since 1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training and Professional Development to equip non-profit professionals throughout New York City to develop and enhance their own mentor-based programs and organizations.

Through the support of individuals, foundations and corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to change the lives of the city’s most disadvantaged children, matching them with caring adult role models – dependable friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures. To learn more, become a mentor and/or offer support, please visit www.bigsnyc.org.