History of Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio was formed in 1993 through a merger between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake & Geauga (formed in 1974) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ashtabula (formed in 1966). For 26 years BBBS of NEO served the communities of Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula Counties, primarily through traditional one-on-one community-based matches. However, we found that mentoring needs in these communities were growing into unique opportunities to mentor through schools, foster care homes, and parks. In January 2019 the agency became Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance, which allowed us to create innovative programs to better serve our communities. These programs fell outside the parameters of what we were able to do through BBBS. We believe in and are committed to continuing to provide mentors to youth through our many programs. In the 40 years we have been serving these three counties, the agency has created and maintained a remarkable 10,000 mentoring relationships. The agency is supported through special events; through local county chapters of the United Way and the Mental Health and Recovery Services Boards of Ashtabula and Lake Counties; through the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services; and through the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations.
