News
On a cold winter afternoon in Glens Falls, 10-year-old Marcus sat quietly at the back of his classroom. Smart and observant, he rarely raised his hand. At home, life felt unpredictable. His mom worked long hours, money was tight, and adult worries often spilled into his world. Marcus had big dreams. He just didn’t know how to reach them.
That’s when he was matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks.
His “Big,” Daniel, wasn’t there to fix everything. He was there to show up: consistently. Week after week.
At first, they kept it simple: shooting basketball hoops, tackling homework, talking about school. But those steady conversations became something more. With guidance from trained staff and structured mentoring activities, Daniel helped Marcus build skills that would last far beyond childhood.
- They practiced communication.
- They worked on managing frustration.
- They talked through decisions before making them.
One afternoon, Daniel introduced a basic budgeting exercise. Together, they talked about needs versus wants. They mapped out what it might cost to become a video game designer: Marcus’s dream job. For the first time, college felt possible. Real. Within reach.
Marcus’s story isn’t unique. It’s part of a growing movement across Tri-County United Way’s service area.
In 2025 alone, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks served 828 youth, a 39% increase in young people supported through one-to-one, school-based and group mentoring programs. Across a three-county region, children facing adversity (poverty, family instability, substance misuse and disability) are being matched with caring adult mentors who provide stability, encouragement, and positive role modeling.
The impact is measurable:
- 84% of mentoring relationships are opening new possibilities for youth.
- 81% of Littles report having a mentor who makes them feel more confident and happy.
- 95% say their Big helped them make better choices.
These aren’t just numbers. They’re turning points.
The youth served reflect critical developmental years:
- 36% are ages 5–11, building early confidence and foundational skills.
- 46% are ages 12–15, navigating the complex middle school years.
- 13% are ages 16–18, preparing for adulthood, careers, and financial independence.
Through intentional programming, youth develop prosocial behaviors, emotional regulation, problem-solving skills and financial literacy basics like goal setting, budgeting and planning for future education or career pathways. Mentors receive comprehensive training and ongoing professional support to make sure every match is safe, consistent, and impactful.
Today, Marcus raises his hand in class. He’s saving part of his birthday money. He talks about high school electives and career paths. He believes in his future because someone believed in him first.
When you support events such as Bowl for Kids’ Sake, you’re not just funding a fun event. You’re helping make sure that 828 youth (and the hundreds more still waiting) gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to become responsible, financially capable and engaged members of our community.
And when one child’s possibilities expand, our communities grow stronger. Now it’s your turn to show up and show off a little.
‘Bowl for Kids’ Sake’ is all about creativity, comfort and community. Come as you are, add a little flair and support a great cause supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks.
March 13–15
Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center
To register your team, make a donation, or view sponsorship information, visit: bbbssadk.org
Let’s lace up, dress up and lift up 828 local youth. One strike at a time. Because when one child’s possibilities expand, our entire Tri-County service area grows stronger.
Written & photographed by Laura Jensen, Director of Community Engagement & Communications at Tri-County United Way