East Tennessee nonprofit to celebrate 55 years of service with Mentorship Breakfast event in April [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An East Tennessee nonprofit who works with young people across the region to make sure they have the academic and social resources they need to succeed will mark 55 years of service this year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee said it has worked to transform the lives of children since 1970 when the “Big Brothers of Knoxville” and “Knoxville Big Sisters Program” began. The two programs merged into one in 1975, before that program merged with similar organizations in nearby cities, eventually becoming the nonprofit it is today.

As part of its services, the nonprofit connects young people with mentors in one-to-one mentorships meant to help young people succeed in different areas of their lives. In its site-based mentorship program, the two meet once a week for up …