The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend (BBBS) is to help children in need, ages 6-18, reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships with measurable impacts. In so doing, BBBS fulfills its vision to provide successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger, healthier communities throughout the Big Bend. BBBS began serving the Big Bend in 1971 and is an official affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. An independent affiliate, BBBS has its own independent board of directors which oversees all local operations in the Big Bend. BBBS is proud to report that for 2009 it mets its goal to create and support 304 mentoring relationships between children in need and adult mentors.