Big Brother Movement

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BIG BROTHER MOVEMENT

BIG BROTHER MOVEMENT began in Cincinnati in 1903 when a small group of men led by stockbroker Irvin F. Westheimer agreed to mentor fatherless boys in that city. The movement was formalized in New York City a year later by Ernest K. Coulter, clerk of the children's court. Big Brothers of America, a national body, was formed in 1947. That organization merged with Big Sisters in 1977 to form Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, with headquarters in Philadelphia. By 2000 the organization operated more than five hundred programs, all of which mentored children living in single-parent families. Big Brothers Big Sisters International was formed in 1998.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Beiswinger, George L. One to One: The Story of Big Brothers/Big Sisters Movement in America. Philadelphia: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, 1985.

Raymond J.Hoffman/t. d.

See alsoFamily ; Juvenile Courts ; Volunteerism .