Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit
2008-2010 Strategic Plan

Executive Summary

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit (BBBSMD) has created this business plan as the blueprint for our future growth. As an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), our strategic priorities are based on the Nationwide Strategic Direction set forth by BBBSA in 2007:

Our mission is to help children reach their potential through quality one-to-one mentoring relationships with proven results

INTENTIONALITY- recognizing the cultural relevance and importance of young people having mentors who look like them. While it is critical to meet the needs of all children who need and want a mentor, it is crucial to focus intently on the needs of African-American and Hispanic boys. We will consistently recruit, train and support male volunteers of color to serve as positive role models for boys of color.

PROGRAM IMPACT- focusing on sustaining quality growth for the children we serve. While our ultimate aspiration is to serve 5,000 children, we will incrementally increase the number of children we serve by at least 10% annually. Goals and strategies in this area focus on achieving positive outcomes for a higher percentage of children served. Recognizing that program impact is the nucleus of this organization, the other areas detailed in this plan must be given the necessary time and attention to support the impact we make through our service delivery.

SUSTAINABILITY- securing necessary resources to support that growth and sustain the organization. Fiscal solvency is at the heart of the ability to serve more children better. We will explore functional affiliations, strategic alliances and other partnerships to find efficiencies. We will engage corporate partners in new ways and we will re-introduce ourselves to individuals with the interest and capacity to support the agency's efforts in order to perpetuate longer, stronger matches. Further, our intent is to build at least a 3 month cash reserve fund in the next three years, and increasing the cash reserve amount beyond that time.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT/ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE - believing and investing in people first. We work to attract and retain the right mix of talented individuals who are first and foremost dedicated to the mission and exhibit a good balance of commitment and competence in order to continuously learn and grow. We will work closely with BBBSA to ensure our Human Resources practices support an energetic, creative, self-motivated workforce. We also recognize that the role the Board of Directors plays is paramount to the success of any organization. BBBSMD's Board of Directors will continue to take the lead in governing the organization while raising funds and awareness to support it.

Our vision is to provide successful mentoring relationships for all children and youth who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools and stronger communities for all.

By shifting from "what we do" to "what we achieve" and executing the strategies and objectives in this business plan, we will realize increased success in fully delivering on our mission and vision. Our leadership and workforce will remain high-energy, flexible and will exhibit the intelligence and commitment to sustain high quality growth.

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