Big Sister 2011 Annual Report - Big Sister Association of Greater ...

Girls in Greater Boston and across the nation face heightened risk factors as they navigate their
pre-teen and teenage years. Data compiled by the 2009 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Systems Survey of girls in Boston, grades 9-12, highlights the
distinct challenges facing girls today:
19.5%
16.7%
36.0%
29.4%
72%
73%
80%
76%
of girls reported having been offered, sold or given drugs at their school at
least once in the past 12 months.
of girls reported drinking five or more drinks in a sitting at least once in
the past 30 days.
of girls felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for 2 or more weeks in a row
that they stopped doing some usual activities.
of girls reported having been in a physical fight at school at least once in
the past 12 months.
A Big Sister can help girls resist negative behaviors
and embrace positive choices for their futures.
Mentoring works
Research has proven that Big Sister’s mentoring programs have a powerful and positive impact on the girls
we serve. According to the results of our 2010 Program Outcome Evaluations, girls with a Big Sister are:
less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
less likely to skip school.
are better able to make healthy decisions.
experience better relationships with their peers and family.
Big Sister Association of Greater Boston 2010 Annual Report 13