Bigs With Badges Launches in Colorado Springs

AT&T has committed $50,000 to support mentoring at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado (BBBSC) and help launch its new “Bigs with Badges” program that matches at-risk children, or “Littles,” with “Bigs” in law enforcement and other first responder departments.

Bigs with Badges aims to improve relationships between law enforcement officers and the people they protect in an effort to ease the tension felt by many communities today. The new program facilitates building strong and lasting relationships between law enforcement and the families they serve.

"We know one-to-one mentoring helps children reach their potential, and we believe it can play a role in building understanding and bridging divides in local communities," Danielle Summerville, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado. “By combining the power of mentoring with the generous support and contributions of partners like AT&T, we can positively impact children's lives and contribute to brighter futures."

"The value of mentoring is priceless. It has the ability to change a child's life and has been shown to help young people, especially at-risk youth, lead healthy and productive lives," said Roberta Robinette, President, AT&T-Colorado. "We're delighted to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters and public safety to help eliminate social barriers, while supporting the families and communities they serve."

BBBSC will incorporate the Bigs with Badges initiative into the Sports Buddies Program in Colorado Springs. In Sports Buddies, matches meet one to two times per month and participate in sports-based activities that are planned and supervised by BBBSC staff. Sports Buddies activities are designed to deepen mentoring relationships while supporting self-confidence, goal setting, collaboration, skill-development and healthy lifestyles. Activities take place on Saturdays and last an average of 2-4 hours. Activities range from spectator sports such as professional, collegiate and high school basketball, football, soccer, lacrosse and baseball to participatory activities such as capture the flag, dodgeball, kickball, flag football, Ultimate Frisbee, hiking and fishing. During each activity, BBBSC staff observe and interact with the matches to monitor and support the development of each mentoring relationship.

“The Colorado Springs Police Department is excited to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado and other first responders across the Pikes Peak Region on this important program,” said Peter Carey, Colorado Springs Chief of Police. “We consider providing a safe and positive environment for our city’s children one of our most critical missions. This program allows our officers – who are volunteering their time – to impact the lives of children throughout our region outside a traditional law enforcement role.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado provides children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado ensures that the children in its program achieve measurable outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships. Learn more at www.BigLittleColorado.org.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. The company’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $450 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.