History of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America:

Cincinnati businessman Irvin F. Westheimer formulated the one man-one boy Big Brothers’ philosophy in 1903. Westheimer befriended a fatherless boy, recognized the relationship’s value and potential and convinced a small group of friends to volunteer their time as the first Big Brothers.

A year later, Ernest K. Coulter, then clerk of the newly created New York City Children’s Court, noted an overwhelming number of boys coming before the bench, whose fathers were absent or deceased. Coulter started the first formal Big Brothers program as a preventive approach to Juvenile justice. Mr.s Willard Parker established the first Big Sisters program four years later in 1908. This program was also conceived as a preventative approach to juvenile justice problems.  The programs merged in 1977 to create Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

The History of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Danville Area

The movement to organize a Big Brothers program in Danville began in 1971 with interest from Bettye Dallas and Judge Spiros Skenderis of the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court in Danville and Thomas Price, an interested citizen.  With the support of an active Jaycees chapter and one of its members, James Greiner, Director of Danville Parks and Recreation at that time, the effort was made to establish an organization.

Greiner, who became President, recruited a Board of Directors, spearheaded a successful fund-raising effort, and raised $5,500 which acted as seed money for the new agency. The local private funding was used as a match for a $10,500 grant from the Juvenile Justice and Crime Prevention Division of the state.

The original Board Members included a wide range of citizen participation including Gary Bengston, Fred Butts, Robert Craft, Robert Dye, Patton Evans, C.G. Hairston, Phillip Jones, Frank Mobley Jr., Neal Morris, Cary Palmore, Rev. Stephen P. Roehrs, Dr. Williams Sager, Norm Saefer, John Spangler, Paul Thompson, Darby Whitlow and Ray Williams. Then Superintendant of schools Dr. Zane Eargle, who was also a board member conducted a survey, which determined 815 fatherless boys in the city school system in 1971-1972, demonstrating an obvious need for the program.

On November 23, 1972, the agency’s first Executive Director, who would served for 15 years was hired – Paul Reavis. On Jan 3, 1973 the first office in the WBTM Radio building was opened with a part-time secretary. The first year of the operation ended with 53 Big Brothers and Little Brothers matched.

The success of the first year, exceeding expectations, prepared for the successful admission into the United Way, which funded $12,000 or 60% of the 1974 budget. Throughout the years, there have been many challenges and opportunities. Big Brothers merged with Sorores in 1979 to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Danville Area. There have been sponsorship of many activities including trips to the Smithsonian Institute, rafting, plane rides, and camping. A number of successful and not as successful fundraising efforts, always backed by the United Way, which has increased its funding over the years. Fund-raising projects have included television auctions, bowl 4 kids, membership drive, bake sales and rummage sales, bachelor auctions and the duck derby.

In 1978 the board developed its first comprehensive Five-Year Plan of Growth and Development with national input and created a planning and evaluation committee. It was also the first year for a national evaluation, which recommended a few changes and improvements. However, in 1979 Full Member status was granted to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Danville Area.

As the agency struggled to increase its matches and better serve its children, a part-time caseworker was necessary. In 1981 funds were available for a part-time position. The position became full-time in 1984 with increased backing by the United Way and a $5,000 grant from the Schoolfield Foundation.

In 1983, a celebration marked the 10^th Anniversary of  the agency with a Mayor’s proclamation and a plaque, which is exhibited in the office at 1225 West Main Street, where the organization has been since that year.

Jennifer Smith, the organization’s second Executive Director was hired in 1988 after a long and illustrious career by Paul Reavis. Smith added such new programming as Big Sisters for Teen Moms and Couples Matches and with the expertise of caseworker Pat Carter, who began with the agency in 1988, also brought up the total number of children served. The agency’s casework manual was improved and eventually recognized as a prototype for others to follow. Smith and Carter also participated in a model program for volunteer training.

In December of 1991, Claudia Vernon Smith became Executive Director after the program was without an administrator for almost six months. Jennifer resigned in July of that year after a long and productive term.  Because of the lag time, current goals have been to increase matches and improve retention through publicity and special events, which call attention to the program, its children, and the adults who serve them. Claudia Smith lead the organization for 8 years until her retirement in March of 1999.

Big Brothers and Sisters then appointed Carol Wiles to Executive Director, a well known member of the community, who increased the fundraisers and broadened our recruiting efforts leading to further increase the number of children matched. He created several new fundraising efforts including, Luminaries for Kids Sake, which occurs every December and Hoops for Kids Sake in March.  Due to great demand for mentors, Wiles expanded programming to include School Based mentors through agreements with Danville Public Schools and Pittsylvania County Public School System.  He also worked with Averett Universities Basketball and Football programs to recruit college students to be Big Brothers and Sisters. At his departure, the program had 89 matched youth…a record for the agency. Carol Wiles retired in December of 2006. 

The agency continues to look forward to helping more children through the leadership of Laura Holloway, who was hired in June of 2007.  The board continues to be the backbone of the agency and one of our greatest strengths.  Funding continues to be a challenge and lead to the development of the 300 Club, which has created a foundation of private donors to support the organization.  We continue to experiment with new and innovative ideas, like a New Year’s Party, always with the support of the United Way.  In 2008, we will celebrate 35 years of helping Danville and Pittsylvania County’s most, needy youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters continues to offer hope and support to children, so they can better their lives and become productive citizens in the community, state, society and world.  This is made possible only through generous donations to United Way, as well as Fundraisers, Corporate and Individual donations and the generous gift of time from so many caring people that know and value the life of a child, including our volunteers and Board Members.

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