Big Brothers-Big Sisters Gets Big Grant And Announces New Partnership
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Big Brothers-Big Sisters took a big step in Delaware County today with the announcement of a partnership between the mentoring group and the Philadelphia Union.
The Union are the first professional sports organization to sign up for the "Beyond School Walls" mentoring program. Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region. They also received a $135,000 grant from the state to expand services in Delaware County.
"Kids who are involved with this get better grades, they have less behavior issues."
CEO Marcus Allen says that money will make a real difference in under-served areas.
"What that equates to is they get internships, they get jobs, they get opportunities they wouldn't normally get."
Stephane Bouvel is program chair of the Philadelphia Union Foundation and says they are committed to being a good neighbor.
"We're going to do all that we can do to raise up the community. Programs like this, and I'm sure you'll hear more from us in the future. This is just the beginning."