News
October 10, 2019Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region Names Chief Philanthropy Officer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBSCR) announced the appointment of a Chief Philanthropy Officer as part of the agency’s goal of doubling the number of children it serves in the area.
Peter Koniuto, previously Major Gifts Officer at The Foundation for Ellis Medicine, has been named to the role. Koniuto has worked as a philanthropy professional in the Capital Region since 2005, building philanthropic support for programs and operations, with a strong interest in helping donors make a difference in ways that are most meaningful to them.
“What a thrill it is to be invited to join such a dynamic organization,” said Koniuto. “BBBSCR’s board, staff, and volunteers are energized and committed to increasing the already impressive impact we have in the community. The donors I’ve met are wonderful and my new co-workers are inspiring to be around. Nobody else does what we do and I look forward to helping BBBSCR’s greatness grow to a whole new level. The youth in our community deserve it.”
Currently, BBBSCR serves 450-600 youth each year across Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties, with more than one hundred on the waiting list. In addition to the mentoring relationships fostered and supported throughout the year, BBBSCR also operates a site-based program at Union College, The College of St. Rose, The University of Albany, Skidmore College, and RPI. These programs offer the opportunity for college students to offer mentoring and support to children in their community, utilizing the wonderful facilities each campus has to offer.
“We’re excited to have Peter join the team and help us achieve our goal of doubling our capacity,” said CEO Sabrina Houser. “At BBBSCR we are not just interested in growth but quality, sustainability and most importantly, child safety. It takes time and money to provide the one-on-one support and training we offer our matches and we won’t be able to achieve our goal without a true focus on philanthropy. Peter is the perfect person to add our team because he understands our programs, the how and why we work, and he’s passionate about what we do. He knows that we need to keep the youth we serve and pledge to protect at the forefront of our minds. We welcome Peter as a much-needed addition to the BBBSCR family.”
The difference between BBBSCR and other organizations is that the agency focuses on evidence-based, successful, long-term mentoring, and measurable outcomes. The annual cost of providing this service in the community is $1,200 per match, including background checks and staff to provide one-on-one support to the Big as well as the Little and their family.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region was founded in 1964 and is one of the oldest mentoring programs in the area. It provides children and adolescents with strong, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. These relationships help children realize their potential by inspiring their futures, ultimately strengthening their contributions to the community.
