For more than 120 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been more than a mentoring program — it has been a movement.
In 1904 Ernest Coulter, a New York City court clerk, saw an endless cycle of young boys appearing before his bench.
Recognizing that the law wasn't what these children needed, but rather the guidance of a caring adult, he recruited 39 volunteers to become the first Big Brothers.
Simultaneously, the Ladies of Charity began befriending girls entering the New York Children’s Court.
Among these pioneers were Mrs. O’Keefe and Mrs. Parker, two of the first Big Sisters who realized that equity in mentorship was just as vital for young women.
In 1904 Ernest Coulter, a New York City court clerk, saw an endless cycle of young boys appearing before his bench.
Recognizing that the law wasn't what these children needed, but rather the guidance of a caring adult, he recruited 39 volunteers to become the first Big Brothers.
Simultaneously, the Ladies of Charity began befriending girls entering the New York Children’s Court.
Among these pioneers were Mrs. O’Keefe and Mrs. Parker, two of the first Big Sisters who realized that equity in mentorship was just as vital for young women.
