Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa was one of eight organizations out of 225 to receive a Pinnacle Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. The Central Iowa organization was recognized during the 2023 Big Brothers Big Sisters’ “A Bold Path to a Big Future” national conference. The award honors top agencies for increasing their revenue and growing their overall number of mentors (“Bigs”) and youths (“Littles”) who are matched through the program, year over year, for two or more consecutive years. In the past year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa has served 570 youths. “We are very proud of the work we do and for it to be recognized by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America,” Bridget Cravens-Neely, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, said in a news release. “Serving youths is why we exist and why we will continue to exist long term. While the award recognition is great to receive, it is the impact we are making in the lives of young people that is the real win.” The organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that are intended to build self-confidence and emotional well-being, and empower youths on a path to graduate with a plan for their futures.