Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City: Clearing the Path to a Brighter Future
Dormie Network Foundation has helped Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City raise $98k since the partnership started in 2020
“I love what they (BBBSKC) are doing in their community. Their work touches the lives of so many, and it is simply incredible to see such a commitment to the youth of Kansas City.”
- Mike Hewitt, Managing Director of Dormie Network Foundation
What would 15% more earnings over a lifetime mean to you?
Imagine the possibilities: providing for your family, continuing education, buying a home, taking a dream vacation, or maybe a new car. Research shows that mentorship can have a profound, long-term financial impact. A recent study indicates that Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Littles can earn up to 15% more over their lifetime*. This powerful statistic underscores the transformative potential of one-to-one mentorship and why investing in youth development truly pays off.
A Legacy of Belief in Every Child
Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has championed the idea that every child is filled with incredible potential. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network, BBBS has made a significant difference in countless lives. Their model is simple yet impactful: they create meaningful, monitored matches between caring adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), igniting possibilities and fueling success across communities. They have 235+ agencies across the United States and have served more than 2 million children over the past 10 years.
About BBBS
Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Vision: All youth achieve their full potential.
Clearing the Path for Kids: BBBSKC’s Local Impact
For the past several years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City (BBBSKC) agency has been one of the top performing in the country thanks to Micheal Lawrence, CEO. He has dedicated his life to creating life-changing friendships for children. Under the leadership of Lawrence—who has dedicated over 30 years to the organization—BBBSKC is a beacon of hope in Kansas City. The agency’s success is evident in its impressive statistics:
100% of Senior Littles graduated high school last year.
84% reported improved self-esteem.
71% experienced better academic performance after being matched with a mentor.
Mentorship is not just about guiding someone; it’s about unlocking their potential. At Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, every ‘Big’ helps a ‘Little’ realize what’s possible—and the results speak for themselves. Every child deserves the chance to succeed, but for many kids in Kansas City, the path to success can feel unclear. BBBSKC works to clear that path by matching children with mentors who believe in their potential—one relationship at a time.
BBBSKC’s mentorship program works like this. Littles in 2nd - 11th grades are matched with Bigs for a one-to-one friendship. They meet 2–3 times a month for simple, everyday activities like going to the movies, playing games, or sharing a meal together.
Matching isn’t just a friendship. It’s a long-term commitment that helps kids grow academically, emotionally, and socially. That’s why a dedicated Match Support Specialist is assigned to each match for specific support when needed.
“Being a Big is honestly one of the best things that I’ve ever done. To know that I have been able to have an impact on such an exceptional person is pretty incredible. It’s been remarkable watching her confidence grow over the years. When we first met, it took her a little bit to come out of her shell–she’s such a self-assured confident young woman now, and it was awesome watching that develop and grow over the years that we’ve been friends."
- Big Sister, Kate Sweeten
The Power of Partnerships: How Dormie Network Foundation Supports BBBSKC
Mike Hewitt, Dormie Network Foundation Managing Director of Philanthropy, is passionate about BBBSKC. “I love what they (BBBSKC) are doing in their community. Their work touches the lives of so many and it is simply incredible to see such a commitment to the youth of Kansas City,” he says.
Funds raised through partnership with the Foundation provide critical aid to help BBBSKC expand its programs and reach its goals. With the money Dormie Network Foundation has helped Big BBBSKC raise, they’ve been able to enroll 512 Littles into the program in 2024. These Littles all want and need a mentor in their lives and are full of potential. Through the support of Dormie Network Foundation, barriers are being removed, and Littles are provided with the resources needed to achieve their greatest potential.
BBBSKC enrolled 512 Littles into the program in 2024 thanks to the money Dormie Network Foundation helped the organization raise.
“I have had the best memories of my life with Shelby. I used to cry and be sad, but she helped me find happiness in the little things. I like that Shelby listens to me and makes me feel special. I feel like she was a missing puzzle piece in my life. We both love sports and music, and Shelby makes sure that I go to a lot of games so I can experience them with her. It makes me so happy when we do that. She always finds time to see me and tells my mom that she wants to take me out. It is so cool that she does that. Shelby is the best.”
- Little Sister, Noelia, age 12
Scalability and a Model for Nationwide Impact
Dormie Network Foundation has helped BBBSKC raise $98k since the partnership started in 2020
The success seen in Kansas City is more than a local victory—it’s a model for impact across the entire Big Brothers Big Sisters network. The strategic partnership with Dormie Network Foundation demonstrates how targeted fundraising and collaborative support can boost not only BBBSKC’s programs but also inspire similar initiatives in other chapters nationwide. This scalable approach to youth development and mentorship creates a ripple effect, benefiting communities far beyond Kansas City.
Watch inspiring stories from BBBSKC
How You can Get involved
When businesses, communities, and individuals unite, they create a ripple effect that empowers the next generation. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or become a mentor yourself, your involvement helps clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future. BBBSKC is not just changing lives—it’s building a legacy of hope, growth, and success.
Being a Big is a fun, life-changing experience. Learn about being a Big.
This year, BBBSKC is celebrating 60 years of mentorship with a special year-long campaign. Honor the mentor who shaped your journey by making a one-time gift of $60 and sharing a message about someone who believed in you, supported you, and helped you become who you are today. Your donation will help create new Matches for kids in the Kansas City community, giving them the same kind of support and encouragement you once received. Donate to the campaign.
Join us in creating more stories of hope and achievement. Become part of the movement that proves every child’s potential is limitless.
Dormie Network Foundation is always excited to explore new partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters to help elevate fundraising efforts. Contact our team today to learn how we can work with your local chapter to create a lasting impact in your community.
