Thousands of NJ Kids Could Lose Their Mentors

For over 120 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped young people unlock their potential through one-to-one mentorship. In New Jersey, our six BBBS agencies serve thousands of children each year—connecting them with caring adult mentors who help them succeed in school, avoid risky behaviors, and build self-confidence. But now, proposed state budget cuts threaten to dismantle these critical relationships.

Mentorship works—and it delivers a measurable return on investment. Littles who participate in BBBS earn 15% more over their lifetimes, contributing an additional $7,000 in tax revenue by age 25. They are also less reliant on public assistance, more likely to attend college, and far less likely to enter the criminal justice system.

The bottom line: every dollar invested in BBBS mentoring pays for itself within seven years—while changing the trajectory of a young person’s life. But state budget cuts now threaten to dismantle this proven, life-changing program.