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7 Shocking Facts About Big Brothers Big Sisters Pittsburgh's 60-Year Transformation

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The landscape of youth mentoring in Western Pennsylvania is undergoing a significant transformation, with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh (BBBSPGH) leading the charge as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. As of December 24, 2025, the organization is not just relying on its decades-long legacy but is actively innovating through new leadership, specialized programs for underserved communities, and high-profile corporate partnerships that are setting a new standard for community impact in the Pittsburgh area and beyond. This deep dive reveals the fresh strategies and critical needs driving the agency's mission today.

Serving children and families across Allegheny, Greene, and Washington counties, BBBSPGH has cemented its role as the region's premier youth mentoring agency. Their evidence-based approach to creating meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles") is designed to foster resilience, academic success, and positive development. The organization’s current trajectory is defined by a renewed focus on measurable impact and a proactive approach to recruiting the next generation of mentors, which CEO Marc Bloomingdale refers to as the critical need for "MMs"—Mentors.

The 60-Year Evolution: New Leadership and Groundbreaking Programs

The recent appointment of Marc Bloomingdale as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) marks a pivotal moment in the organization's history, bringing fresh vision to an agency celebrating its 60th birthday. Bloomingdale, alongside a strong leadership team including Chief Operating Officer Jason Dix, Chief Advancement Officer Maggie Giel, and Chief Program Officer Zandra McDonald, is steering BBBSPGH toward a future focused on targeted, inclusive programming.

The core of their work remains the traditional Community-Based Mentoring program, which offers the most flexibility for Bigs and Littles to connect through shared activities in their local communities. However, a key element of the agency's modern evolution is the introduction of specialized initiatives designed to meet the unique needs of diverse youth populations.

The Rise of Specialized Mentoring Initiatives

One of the most noteworthy additions is the Big Siblings Program. This crucial initiative is a version of the Community-Based Mentoring program specifically tailored to match self-identified LGBTQ+ youth with LGBTQ+ adult mentors. This program is vital for providing a safe space and relatable role models for a demographic that often faces disproportionate challenges related to identity, mental health, and social acceptance. By providing Bigs who share similar life experiences, BBBSPGH is maximizing the effectiveness and depth of these mentoring relationships.

Beyond identity-focused programs, BBBSPGH has also expanded its reach into the professional sphere through the Workplace Mentorship Program. This innovative model partners with local corporations to bring Littles into a professional environment, offering exposure to career paths and the corporate world. A notable example is the established four-year partnership with Dollar Bank, where employees serve as mentors, bridging the gap between academic life and future employment opportunities.

Pittsburgh's Powerhouse Partnerships: Steelers, Dollar Bank, and Corporate Impact

The success of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh is intrinsically linked to its deep ties within the Pittsburgh community. The organization has successfully leveraged the city’s passion for sports and its robust corporate sector to drive mentor recruitment and fundraising efforts.

The partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers is a high-profile example of this community engagement. The collaboration is designed to recruit more mentors by tapping into the widespread fan base and the team's commitment to local causes. Former Steelers player Kenny Pickett has been one of the notable figures involved with BBBSPGH, using his platform to raise awareness about the urgent need for Big Brothers.

On the corporate front, the list of community partners is extensive, demonstrating strong philanthropic support across the tri-county area. Key partners include:

  • Dollar Bank: Hosting the four-year Workplace Mentorship Program.
  • Peoples Natural Gas: A significant partner, with contributions often managed by individuals like Corporate Partnerships and Events Manager Blaise Jenkins.
  • Catapult Greater Pittsburgh: Collaborating on broader community impact initiatives.
  • G. Carolyn Dorsey Insurance Agency, Inc.: Supporting the agency's mission.

These corporate partnerships are not merely financial; they provide essential resources, volunteer hours, and professional exposure that directly enhance the quality of the mentoring experience for the Littles. The annual BIG Bash event, which recently commemorated the 60th anniversary, serves as a primary fundraising and awareness platform, bringing together the organization's supporters, partners, and success stories.

The Tangible Impact: Awards, Ratings, and the Call for Mentors (MMs)

BBBSPGH’s commitment to an evidence-based approach ensures that its impact is measurable and transparent. This dedication to excellence has earned the organization a prestigious 4/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator, a testament to its financial health, accountability, and transparency in operations. Donors and community members can trust that their contributions are being used effectively to create lasting change.

The quality of the matches is also frequently recognized at the state level. In a major highlight from February 2024, two Pittsburgh volunteer mentors received top honors: Lindsay Litterini was named the Pennsylvania Big Sister of the Year, and Jared Latchaw was named the Pennsylvania Big Brother of the Year. These awards underscore the profound, life-changing relationships that are being forged every day in the Greater Pittsburgh region.

Despite these successes and the celebration of six decades of service, the need for mentors remains critical, particularly for Big Brothers. The organization is constantly seeking to recruit more adult volunteers to serve the hundreds of children waiting for a mentor in Allegheny, Greene, and Washington counties. The focus remains on providing positive role models who can help youth navigate challenges, explore new interests, and build essential life skills.

The agency’s strategy is clear: to continue expanding specialized programs like Big Siblings, deepen corporate partnerships to offer diverse opportunities, and relentlessly recruit mentors to meet the demand. As CEO Marc Bloomingdale stated, the simple yet powerful message is: "We need MMs. We need mentors, and anybody can do that."

The future of BBBSPGH is centered on scaling its proven model to reach every child who needs a mentor. By focusing on diversity, professional development, and community collaboration, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh ensures that its next six decades will be as impactful as its first.

big brothers big sisters pittsburgh
big brothers big sisters pittsburgh

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