Thrive Foundation, 2585 Brightside Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70820, US

HistoryThe Big Buddy idea began as a Psychology class project at LSU in Baton Rouge. Dr. Marion Baum paired her students with children in the community surrounding LSU for a semester of mentoring. Mary West, continued the Big Buddy initiative via the Social Responsibility Committee of Christ the King Catholic Church. West matched students from w/ children from the Roosevelt Terrace public housing community. Soon over 50 student Big Buddies were matched w/ children living in the low-income area near LSU. Social Work student Jim Geiser came on board, recruiting volunteers & coordinating group activities. In 1979 Geiser was named Executive Director. Geiser grew the program from one-on-one matches into weekend play days, sports teams, in-school activities, afterschool programs, and summer camps. Gaylynne Mack succeeded Geiser in 2001. Now, Big Buddy boasts successful programs in Mentoring, Extended Learning & Afterschool opportunities, Positive Youth Development, and Workforce Development.SpecialtiesOur Vision - That every child has a positive role model leading him/her to make good choices resulting in a healthy rewarding life. Our Mission - To provide access to positive role models and learning experiences to children who lack these resources. The Big Buddy Program is a local non-profit (501(c)(3))youth services agency that provides positive role models and quality learning experiences to over 2,000 disadvantaged children/youth on a weekly basis in the Baton Rouge community. For over 30 years the Big Buddy Program has provided children and youth with positive adult role models through the Big Buddy/Little Buddy mentoring programs; character education and leadership sessions; quality out of school time activities such as after school programs, holiday camps and summer enrichment programs; teen programs that develop literacy skills through self-expression and creative writing; and numerous other direct services that involve the generosity of time and energy of a dedicated staff