For Release October 8, 2010

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Thunder Bay Receives Accreditation


Thunder Bay, Ontario – Today Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister was granted Accreditation having successfully met the review standards outlined by the national governing body, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC). As a measure to continually ensure maximum child safety and the pursuit of organizational excellence Big Brothers Big Sisters introduced a review process for its member agencies more than twenty-five years ago and has most recently evolved this process into the national Accreditation program. The national Accreditation program is conducted by professionally trained reviewers who must complete Accreditation training given by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada.

The Accreditation certificate is granted upon approval of agency practices in the areas of child safety, service delivery, and organizational excellence. Organizational excellence includes a consultative process with agency volunteers, parents and board members, assurance of sound fiscal management practices, and agency strategic planning.

Each agency within the BBBSC organization is Accredited every five years. Agencies also participate in a mid-term evaluation as an interim measure ensuring adherence to national standards.

“Our goal is to demonstrate to the community, clients and volunteers that we strive for excellence and that our agency’s service is of high standards and in conjunction with our National movement. We want anyone that volunteers, supports or utilizes our services to know that we uphold the same quality of service and standards as those delivered by other Big Brother Big Sister agencies. I am very proud of the entire movement and specifically the support we offer to the children, youth and their families in the Thunder Bay community.”, states Christy Renner, Executive Director of Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister.

”This Accreditation program is critical as we move forward in our efforts to reach and support more children. The program provides the local agency with the information and assurance they need to know that they are doing a good job and that they are doing the right things,” states Bruce MacDonald, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. “The national strategic plan has outlined an ambitious goal of serving 100,000 children by 2013; our Accreditation program has a direct and positive impact towards achieving the strategic goal.”

Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister has been serving Thunder Bay for more than 39 years. It is committed to serving children and youth by providing them with quality mentoring relationships with volunteers.

We congratulate Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister in achieving their accreditation.

For more information please contact:
Thunder Bay Big Brother Big Sister Association Inc.
Christy Renner
Executive Director
807-623-1112
bbbsa@tbaytel.net