Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri marks 25 years in Cape Girardeau
KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBSEMO) is celebrating 25 years of mentorship in Cape Girardeau, honoring its role in connecting youth with caring adult mentors, strengthening school partnerships, and expanding community support across Southeast Missouri.
Since opening its Cape Girardeau office in 2000, BBBSEMO has grown steadily while remaining committed to its mission of helping young people build meaningful and stable lives through mentorship, despite social and economic changes.
“For 25 years, BBBSEMO has walked alongside families, volunteers, and schools in Cape Girardeau to ensure young people have the relationships and resources they need to thrive,” said Ashley Seiler, chief partnership officer at BBBSEMO. “We’re celebrating more than an anniversary — we’re honoring the power of mentorship and the incredible community that makes this work possible.”
The Cape Girardeau team leads the agency’s signature one-to-one mentoring program, pairing youth with volunteer “Big Brothers” and “Big Sisters.” It also provides group mentoring cohorts, school-based mentorship, and support through its ABCToday initiative, which partners with the Cape Girardeau Public School District to boost academic and social-emotional outcomes. In the past three years, the Cape Girardeau office has expanded its reach to Sikeston, further extending services in Southeast Missouri.
2024 Impact Highlights from BBBSEMO:
Served more than 9,000 individuals across Eastern Missouri.
97% of youth graduated high school or earned equivalency credentials.
97% of youth avoided early school dropout or involvement with the juvenile justice system.
93% of alumni ages 18–25 enrolled in higher education, enlisted in the military, or gained employment.
“The outcomes we have achieved through great partnerships are concrete examples of transformative impact on individuals and communities: thousands of lives changed, risk behaviors prevented, and positive relationships sustained,” Seiler said.
To mark the milestone, BBBSEMO will host a celebration in partnership with the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 3 p.m. in the lobby of the Marquette Tower. The event will include a ribbon-cutting, remarks from community leaders, and opportunities to meet the Cape Girardeau agency team.
About BBBSEMO
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, based in St. Louis, has served youth since 1914. The agency supports more than 9,000 individuals annually through one-to-one and group mentoring programs, workforce development initiatives, and partnerships with schools across St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, Cape Girardeau, and Scott counties. BBBSEMO is a member of the United Way. Learn more at bbbsemo.org.
