Big Sisters of Central Indiana facts for kids

Big Sisters of Central Indiana (1974–present) became integrated into Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana in 2002. This organization helps to mentor at-risk youths.

In 1971, the Youth Service Bureau identified a number of at-risk girls in Indianapolis. The findings of this study resulted in the creation of the Big Sisters of Greater Indianapolis. In 1974, Big Sisters of Greater Indianapolis officially incorporated with four staff members. The organization received funding from the Junior League’s Law Enforcement Assistance Act grant. Then in 1975, the organization became a member of Big Sisters International. The first Big Sister’s organization began around 1904 when there was a general movement for both men and women to begin mentoring at-risk youth in New York City. The men’s and women’s organizations operated separately until 1977 before Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was officially formed. In Indiana, the two organizations continued to operate separately. The Big Sisters of Greater Indianapolis changed their name in 1987 to Big Sisters of Central Indiana. The Big Sisters of Central Indiana and the Big Brothers of Greater Indianapolis merged in 2002.

In the 1990s, Big Sisters of Central Indiana served about 800 girls a year. The center was operated by about 19 people and over 500 volunteers.