Big Brothers Big Sisters Month Shines Light on Urgent Need to Elevate Mentorship Across Kentuckiana
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 1, 2026) – Throughout September, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana (BBBSKY) is celebrating Big Brothers Big Sisters Month by shining a light on the impact of mentorship and highlighting the importance of human connection between people of all ages across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
This year’s Big Brothers Big Sisters Month highlights the agency’s goal, A Future Built on Mentorship, which elevates mentorship as essential infrastructure for strong young people and strong communities.
Locally, BBBSKY serves more than 900 young people and impacts more than 3,000 lives each year across 10 counties in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Last fiscal year, 98% of high school seniors served by BBBSKY graduated on time, 91% reported improved or strong grades, and 90% reported stable or improved mental well-being. Yet for hundreds of young people across Kentuckiana, access to that kind of meaningful relationship remains out of reach.
“More than 500 young people across our community are waiting to be matched with a Big right now, and we need more caring adults willing to step forward,” said Gary Friedman, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana. “We know that young people and adults across our region are looking for more genuine connection – to help with their own self-esteem, mental health, and community connection. Becoming a mentor helps fulfill all those areas. We always say: you don’t have to be perfect, you just have to be present.”
As part of Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, landmarks and community partners across Kentuckiana will light up green on Friday, September 18, Big Brothers Big Sisters Day, creating a visible, community-wide show of support for mentorship and raising awareness of the hundreds of local young people waiting for a mentor.
Participating locations lighting up on September 18 include:
Louisville: Churchill Downs, Downtown Louisville Underpass, Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville City Hall, Louisville Metro Hall, Lynn Family Stadium, and the University of Louisville.
Clarksville: Colgate Clock
Bardstown: Main Street Bardstown Visitor Center
Additionally, the Big Four Bridge will light up green on September 30 to close out Big Brothers Big Sisters Month.
“The impact of mentorship reaches far beyond any one match,” Friedman added. “Our research shows Littles are 20% more likely to enroll in college and can earn 15% more throughout their careers. When more young people have someone in their corner, we’re helping build a stronger workforce, a stronger economy, and a stronger, safer Kentuckiana for generations to come.”
BBBS Month also marks the introduction of BBBSKY’s updated mission statement: Create and support meaningful mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The updated mission reflects the organization’s continued commitment to creating and supporting meaningful relationships that help young people achieve their full potential.
Throughout September, BBBSKY is encouraging community members to share their own mentorship stories using #BBBSMonth and #BeBig, become a Big, or support the organization’s work during Give for Good Louisville on Thursday, September 10. The national BBBS Month campaign emphasizes that there is a role for everyone in helping make mentorship accessible to more young people.