Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters serves school aged youth in southeast Nebraska. Since beginning as Y-Pals, a program through the YMCA, in 1970, Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters has influenced thousands of lives. In 2008, Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected as a recipient of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America 2007 Pinnacle Award for outstanding performance in revenue, children served, and quality for two consecutive years! For the past two years, Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters has demonstrated pace setting performance throughout the year: Revenue growth of 10% or more, and Children served growth of 10% or more, and Match closure rate of 38% or less The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact. Our Mentoring Works National research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. Little Brothers and Sisters are: More confident in their schoolwork performance Able to get along better with their families 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs 27% less likely to begin using alcohol 52% less likely to skip school