Local Organization Making Big Changes To Help More Kids

CAMDEN. N.J. (CBS) - January is national mentoring month and one of the region's charities most focused on mentoring is making a big announcement today.

"We always hear the stories of what's going on in Camden," says Marcus Allen -- President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

The organization has provided mentorship for more than 200,000 kids during its history. Now they're combining resources by merging with the BBBS of Southern New Jersey to become BBBS Independence Region.

Together the new entity will  serve a combined 4,000 young people a year, but Allen says there's a serious need:

"We currently have about 1,200 kids on the waiting list -- on the SE Pa. side -- and I am sure we will have more now that we are a combined agency."

Allen applauds the city of Philadelphia and President Obama for declaring January mentorship month, saying he hopes to raise awareness and attract more mentors.

The group is holding an "I am a Mentor" Day and "Thank Your Mentor" Day later this month.

For more information call 215-790-9200 or CLICK HERE.