BBBS award places it among top 11% of agencies nationwide

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is in rare company with an award from its parent organization.

The Springfield nonprofit is a 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Gold Standard Award Winner, placing it among the top 11% of agencies nationwide, according to a news release. The local organization is one of 26 out of 225 nationwide agencies to receive the award.

“Awards like this are never a singular accomplishment. This is not just a Big Brothers Big Sisters achievement. It signals growth for our entire community,” said Susan Mellentine, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, in the release. “We strive every day to support local youth through mentorship. It is truly a testament to the hard work done by our agency staff.”

Selected by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Nationwide Leadership Council, the Gold Standard Award recognizes BBBS agencies for increased revenue and a jump in bigs and littles, who are matched via the nonprofit’s mentorship program. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks' local services have grown by 12%.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks also is expanding to Branson, Mellentine said via email.

The local nonprofit is slated to be honored formally during the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters “Bigger Together” National Conference, held June 26-29 in California, according to the release.