HOUGHTON — Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula has been recognized as a Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Pinnacle Award Winner for program impact and excellence in 2025. Every year, the BBBSA Nationwide Leadership Council selects agencies for excellence in the organization’s signature 1-to-1 youth mentoring program. Out of more than 230 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula is one of only 3 organizations to receive this top honor.

According to a press release, this award recognizes the top agencies that have met the Platinum Award requirements for two or more years – meaning they have shown remarkable achievements in retaining the number of mentors (“Bigs”) and youth (“Littles”) matched through the program and have exhibited exceptional growth in their local programs for multiple, consecutive years. In the past year, the western U.P. agency has served 295 children and 163 high school students through mentoring relationships with a 21% growth in local services.

“This award is a testament to the long-term commitment and collective effort of our entire community,” said Maggie Munch, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula. “Sustaining excellence in mentorship year after year is no small accomplishment, and it reflects our Team’s tireless efforts, dedication and commitment to our mission.” Munch added, “Our success is also a result of the strong foundation provided to us by our sponsoring organization, the Good Will Farm Association, Inc. d/b/a U.P.KIDS, in addition to the support of an entire Village of volunteers, families, donors, partners and advocates… All united in the mission to provide life-changing mentorship to youth in our community. Our focus remains on expanding opportunities for young people and ensuring mentorship continues to transform lives. We are honored to be recognized for our impact and remain committed to building a stronger future for the youth we serve.”

For more than a century, BBBSA has been dedicated to advancing equity, impact, and growth across the organization, making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. Today, the organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships, helping build self-confidence and emotional well-being and empowering young people on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures and a mentor whose impact can last a lifetime.

“Achieving lasting excellence in mentorship requires foresight, commitment, and a steadfast dedication to the young people we serve,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of BBBSA. “Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Western Upper Peninsula hasn’t just raised the bar for impact and growth — they’ve maintained that standard consistently, year after year. Their continued achievements speak to the power of mentorship’s ability to transform lives and a tireless pursuit of better futures for the young people in their care. We are proud to honor their leadership and the enduring mark they’ve made in their community.”