Running head: Critical Analysis

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware

Sheliah E. Smith
Wilmington University

Critical Analysis
Since 1964, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware (BBBSDE) has provided caring adult
mentors for at risk children and youth. Volunteers serve as friends, mentors and role models
helping children (who are primarily from single-parent homes) gain greater self-confidence. The
mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware (BBBSDE) is to make a positive difference in
the lives of children and youth through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship. The
organization aims to assist them in achieving their highest potential. The services provided are
quality, case management, based on one-on-one programs for at risk youth. This will be
accomplished by providing quality staff, committed volunteers, and maintaining standards of
excellence in all areas of service.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware (BBBSDE) has implemented a new program of
mentoring that is aimed at Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) youth in
Delaware. The Q stands for questioning. This mentoring program matches adult mentors with
youth who are in middle or high school. Mentors work with a group through a schools Gay
Straight Alliance (GSA) or diversity club that is matched with a young person who is interested
in individual mentoring. The commitment process is two to four times per month for the school
year.
The reason for this new shift of mentoring service through Big Brother Big Sister of
Delaware (BBBSDE) is due to Delawares Anti-Bullying Taskforce (House Bill 268). As a result
of this bill, schools are required to make judgment about whether bullying incidents were due
partly because of someones race, age, martial status, creed, religion, color, sex, disability, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression of national origin.

Critical Analysis
The person responsible for the day to day operations of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender (LGBTQ) program is Mary Fox who is the Executive Director of Big Brother Big
Sister of Delaware (BBBSDE). Mary Fox has been with the agency for three years and has over
twenty years experience of being a Director of Program Services at Big Brother Big Sister of
Delaware (BBBSDE).
The program is managed solely by the Executive Director who employees two case
managers for all three counties (Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown) in Delaware. Big Brother Big
Sisters (BBBSDE) also use a lot of volunteers to help assist club advisors with group activities
and to offer support and education for the LGBTQ program. All middle and high schools in
partnership with Big Brother Big Sisters of Delaware (BBBSDE) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender (LGBTQ) program include an administrator, teacher, two students and a parent to
help establish and maintain a successful Gay- Straight Alliance (GSA).
If I was the Director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ) program I
would manage it the same way as the current Executive Director. However, I would hire three
case managers to cover all three counties instead of two. As the LGBTQ program moves forward
develop an ongoing plan for increasing understanding at both administrative and program staff
level (e.g. holding periodic joint staff meetings and staff/volunteer orientations). Discuss with
staff the culture of the program and openly address any areas of potential conflict in the future.
With this program being relatively new I wouldnt change the policy and procedures drastically
at this time. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) program is kicking off to a
great start inside the local schools and in the community.

Critical Analysis
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware (BBBSDE) is a private, non-profit organization. In
partnership with United Way of Delawares its mission is to maximize the communitys
resources to improve the quality of life for all Delawareans. Thanks to the funding from United
Way (UMD) and the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund and many other major corporate and non profit
partners these funds will help to promote the new mentoring program Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender (LGBTQ). In addition, sponsoring many of the annually events such as Bowl
for Kids Sake and other fundraising events will help to continue the efforts in providing funding
for the agencys program.
In closing, when hiring for an organization as the Executive Director there are several
qualities an employee and intern should have. These qualities help to ensure that the program
service and delivery will run successfully. The qualities are intelligence, upbeat personality,
confident, honest, detailed orientated, hardworking and passionate. You can always train an
employee and intern on the principles and practice of the organization. However, you cant train
someone to have the qualities stated above.

Critical Analysis
References
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware. (2014, November 6). Retrieved from Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Delaware: http://www.BigBrothersBigSistersofDelaware.com
Gregory, L. (2014, November 2). LGBTQ Case Manager. (S. Smith, Interviewer) Dover,
Delaware
Wells, O. (2014, November 2). Kent County Program Manager. (S. Smith, Interviewer) Dover,
Delaware.