Big Sister Felicia Padgett & Little Sister Daijsha with Daijsha's mom Sandra. In April of 2008, Savannah's Mayor Otis Johnson announced his plans to convene a youth summit to discuss the juvenile problem facing the city of Savannah. The goal of the summit was to seek input from the public and to unveil a plan to address the problem. At the same time, a new youth serving agency was beginning to lay the foundation to open an office here in Savannah so they could serve the children of the Coastal Empire. Now after several months of preparation and a 10-year absence from Savannah, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Coastal Empire has begun matching children with adult mentors.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Coastal Empire is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally supported one-toone relationship with a caring adult, and to assist these children in achieving their highest potential, as they grow to become confident, competent, and caring individuals.

John Kendricks, the Executive Director of the new agency, stated that a committee of community leaders sought the benefits of Big Brothers Big Sisters after learning of a study that showed that youth who participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters were: • 46 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs • 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol • 52 percent less likely to skip school • 37 percent less likely to skip a class • More confident of their performance in schoolwork • Getting along better with their families.

The committee (consisting of juvenile judges, social service providers, and other community leaders) contacted United Way and requested they investigate the possibility of opening a Big Brothers Big Sisters office here in Savannah. The Big Brothers Big Sisters' national office was elated to learn of the community's desire as they had considered Savannah as a possible market because of the many "inquiries" (nearly 3500 in a three-year period) they had received via their website. Kendricks explained that inquiries are individuals looking to volunteer (Bigs) or children (Littles) looking for mentors. Kendricks stated that three prominent citizens contacted United Way and volunteered to help launch the organization and bring the program back to Savannah.

The agencymade its very first match on Tuesday, September 16th, matching Big Sister Felicia Padgett with Little Sister Daijsha, a seventh grader at Myers Middle School. Big Sister Felicia, a caseworker with Kidsnet Savannah and mother of two boys, stated that she was thrilled to get her new Little Sister! Felicia stated she has been looking forward to this day for a very long time. Not to be outdone, Daijsha has been just as excited about her new Big Sister! Sandra, Daijsha's mother, stated that Daijsha has been anxious since they received the call that informed them that a Big Sister had been found. Sandra stated the she was so thankful and grateful for the program and wished that it had been here sooner because she believes it can really change the life of so many children.

The response from the public has been fantastic with over 100 individuals volunteering. Kendricks was especially pleased when he received an email from Martin Walsh who was serving with the Army in Kuwait. Walsh related to Kendricks that he would be returning to Fort Stewart soon and wanted to volunteer. Kendricks stated when he met Walsh, he asked him why he wanted to become a Big. Walsh related that he saw how the program changed the lives of several friends who had been "Littles" and he wanted to do the same for a child the way the program did for his friends. Kendricks stated he spoke to another volunteer who is an instructor at SCAD and she related she had wanted to be a "Big" for a long time but there had been no program here in Savannah. The volunteer said she could not wait to volunteer after hearing about the new office and she was delighted at the possibility of finally becoming a "Big."