Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts Honored with National Award

SPRINGFIELD — Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts (BBBSWM) has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Platinum Award Winner for program excellence in 2025. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council, made up of local agency leaders and board members, selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature one-to-one youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, BBBSWM is one of 13 organizations to receive this top honor.

This award recognizes the top agencies that meet requirements for both the Growth and Impact awards — meaning they have shown remarkable achievements in retaining the number of mentors (‘bigs’) and youth (‘littles’) matched through the program consistently from year to year and have exhibited exceptional growth in their local programs. In the past year, BBBSWM has served over 150 new youth and started several new programs in schools in Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our team to both deepening our impact and expanding mentorship opportunities for more young people,” said David Beturne, CEO of BBBSWM. “Achieving excellence in both growth and impact requires the hard work of our staff, board, and volunteers, all united in the mission to provide life-changing mentorship. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain committed to creating even more opportunities for youth in our community.”

For over 100 years, BBBSA has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

“BBBSWM has shown outstanding leadership by strengthening the impact of mentorship while also reaching more young people who need it most,” said Artis Stevens, president and CEO of BBBSA. “Their focus on building meaningful connections and sustaining long-term mentorship relationships is opening doors to life-changing opportunities for youth in their communities. We are proud to recognize their dedication, innovation, and steadfast belief in the power of mentorship to transform lives.”