IRVING, Texas, -- Children benefitting from Big Brothers Big Sisters' Hispanic Mentoring Program came together during a celebration held at Gilbert Elementary in Irving, Texas to thank MetLife Foundation for a total of $1 million in grants supporting the organization's nationwide Hispanic mentoring initiatives. The Little Brothers and Sisters (Littles) and Big Brothers and Sisters (Bigs) -- who were paired as a result of the efforts of Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas -- honored MetLife Foundation with testimonials, thank-you cards, and tres leches cake, a dessert served during traditional Latin and Latin American celebrations.

During the program, Paul Torres, Managing Partner of New England Financial, a MetLife company, presented Big Brothers Big Sisters of America with the Foundation's second $500,000 grant for the Hispanic Mentoring program. The grant expands upon support begun last year, which enabled Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to develop parent and volunteer outreach materials in English and Spanish, as well as provide funding to 20 local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country, including North Texas. The new $500,000 grant will enable the 20 agencies to expand their outreach within the Hispanic community, engaging more Hispanic children and adults in mentoring.

Big Brothers Big Sisters' evidence-based programs improve the odds that vulnerable children will succeed and increase their chances for staying in school, behaving nonviolently, and avoiding drugs and other criminal activities. The seven-year-old Hispanic Mentoring Program helps Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies serve Hispanic children more effectively. The program provides agencies with communications strategies and tools that enhance engagement with Hispanic communities, alleviating language and cultural barriers.

"All young people can benefit from regular interaction with caring adults, who share their experiences and help them achieve their potential," said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. "We are pleased to expand our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters in bringing the benefits of its proven mentoring programs to the country's growing Hispanic youth population and in engaging more Hispanic adults as volunteer mentors."

About MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife in 1976 to carry on its longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Grants support health, education, civic and cultural programs. In youth development, the Foundation funds initiatives that promote mentoring and increase constructive activities and safe places for young people, particularly during out-of-school time. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children break negative odds. We rely on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Our service is proven to reduce children's risk of skipping school, behaving violently, using drugs and alcohol, and falling victim to other negative cycles. Big Brothers Big Sisters and our network of supporters recognize the hardship, pain and challenges children in too many communities confront. Our movement is relevant and there is an urgent demand for what we achieve. Headquartered in Philadelphia and with nearly 400 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than a quarter million children. Learn how you can join the movement to change how children grow up in America by going to BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of America