This grant funded the expansion of the highly successful Big Sister Program, which is primarily based in the greater New York area, to nine additional communities across North America. Participants are grouped in pairs, comprised of one Little Sister (usually in 6th through 8th grade), and her fellow Big Sister (from 11th grade through post-seminary age). Every pair gets together once a week throughout the year. They spend their time absorbed in a fun activity of their choice, or they just relax, schmooze, and enjoy each other’s company.