PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Judy Vredenburgh today announced that after serving ten years as president and chief executive officer of Philadelphia-based Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, she will be leaving the organization in the summer of 2009. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation's largest network of volunteer mentoring services, proven by independent research to improve the odds for children from low-income and single-parent homes or families where a parent is incarcerated.

"This is the best job in the world, but it is time for me to return to New York City where my husband lives," Vredenburgh said. "It has been my absolute honor to make a difference in the lives of so many children who with the support of Big Brothers Big Sisters are having greater success in school and in life."

"The amazing accomplishments Judy has made in the past decade position Big Brothers Big Sisters for a seamless transition during a time in America when our services are increasingly more necessary," said Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Board of Directors Chair Frank Bracken. "Through a network that includes nearly 400 agencies in all 50 states, we're serving more than 262,000 children and supporting 262,000 volunteers -- record numbers for Big Brothers Big Sisters. This year, private and public foundations, corporations and individual donors have helped us raise $292 million for increased volunteer recruitment; rigorous mentor screening and background checks; professional mentor matching; research and monitoring; and ongoing support for our volunteers, children and their families."

Vredenburgh will remain fully engaged as President and Chief Executive Officer as Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Board of Directors oversees a search for a new national leader. The search committee, headed by Bracken, includes former board chairs Lynn Swann, Bob Wood, Jody Bilney and Don Carty, along with Board Chair-elect Greg Page, all current board members.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children break negative odds. We rely on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Our service is proven to reduce children’s risk of skipping school, behaving violently, using drugs and alcohol, and falling victim to other negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters and our network of supporters recognize the hardship, pain and challenges children in too many communities confront. Our movement is relevant and there is an urgent demand for what we achieve. Headquartered in Philadelphia and with nearly 400 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than a quarter million children. Learn how you can join the movement to change how children grow up in America by going to BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Judy Vredenburgh
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=70889

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers Big Sisters, BigBrothersBigSisters.org, is the largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. With nearly 400 affiliates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam, it served 255,000 children in 2007 - more than twice the number of five years ago. Independent research shows that its model of professionally supported one-to-one relationships between young people and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters has a measurable, positive impact. Children in the program are less likely to skip school, begin using alcohol and illegal drugs, and be involved in violence. Big Brothers Big Sisters works with policymakers and community leaders across the country to expand access to mentoring for children in need. The organization is currently focusing on recruiting Big Brothers, especially African-Americans and Hispanics.

More from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America