CenturyLink New Mexico

QWEST DONATES $10,000 TO BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., July 11, 2007 – The CenturyLink Foundation today announced a $10,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico (BBBS-CNM) to sponsor a media technology program.

The grant will fund the “Crossroads” program, which engages at-risk teenagers with adult mentors in positive activities focused on five activities: community service, math/science, career development, culture and fitness/recreation. The aim of the program is to encourage youth to gain confidence in their ability to use technology and provide creative opportunities to enhance their development.

”Our youth is reaching out for positive activities and role models, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central New Mexico helps fill that need,” said Loretta Armenta, CenturyLink president for New Mexico. “There are many athletic programs that cost students little, if anything, but few programs that offer affordable access to technology. CenturyLink Foundation is thrilled to partner with BBBS-CNM to open these doors and hopefully, ignite children's imaginations.”

“We are grateful to CenturyLink for partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters in the spirit of service to our community’s youth,” said Angela Reed Padilla, BBBS-CNM CEO. “This grant provides the opportunity for caring adult mentors to share their expertise and enthusiasm for technology with youth in a fun, learning environment. Through one-to-one mentoring, we can foster a relationship of learning, caring, and social development. Adults and youth together will gain insight into how the use of technology can create opportunities for a strong future, both for our youth and for our business community.”

The goal of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and foster one-on-one, positive relationships between children and adults. BBBS-CNM is dedicated to providing opportunities for volunteers and children to enjoy the magic that comes from making a new friend.