In 2011, Maynard O’Connor Associate Attorney Adam T. Mandell is honored to continue to serve as a Member of the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ulster County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ulster County is a regional affiliate of the National not-for-profit organization that works to enrich the lives of children by providing positive mentor-mentee relationships to children in need. This organization provides matches, training, support and background checks to help to create positive relationships that last for many years. Tangible results of Big Brothers Big Sisters efforts include: 58 % of children in this program did better academically; 60% found a better way of resolving a conflict other than with violence; 81 % avoided the use or initiation of the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs; 93 % avoided engaging in acts of juvenile delinquency and gang activity; and, 72 % reported getting along better with their parent or guardian and siblings.
In addition to matching mentors with mentees in Ulster, Columbia and Greene Counties, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ulster County has emerged as a leader both in New York State and Nationally through its leadership and vision in the New York’s Children of Promise program. This program aims to provide children with one or more parents in prison with mentors. By providing children of prisoners with positive adult role models, Big Brothers Big Sisters is able to identify and assist more children who face significant risk factors.