Independent of Mr. Westheimer in 1904, another foresighted man was thinking along similar lines. Ernest K. Coulter reviewed the records of the New York City Children's Court and noticed that many of the boys who in contact with it came from homes where the father was absent. Mr. Coulter decided that the influence of a man in the lives of each of these youngsters would help curb abnormal behavior. He spoke about his belief to a men's club of a local church and, from that meeting 40 men resolved to initiate a relationship with a boy from the court caseload. In 1909 some of these men joined Mr. Coulter in formally incorporating the first Big Brothers agency...Big Brothers of New York City, Inc.
Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbuilt, in 1908, learned of the work of Big Brothers in New York City. She organized the first Big Sister Program there to provide a similar service to girls and young women.
In Canada, the Big Brothers program began in Toronto on 1913. Although it was a very loosely knit organization, it did foster the idea of helping fatherless boys who, through juvenile court, had been placed on probation. Lacking specific guidelines, the movement grew slowly.
Representatives of 10 associations, recognizing the need to coordinate the program, set national standards and promote growth throughout Canada, formed a national organization. The Government of Canada on December 15, 1964 chartered Big Brothers of Canada.
The first joint Big Brothers/Big Sisters agency in Canada was formed in the mid 70's in Halifax.
In 1903, a young Cincinnati businessman conceived the idea that has become the keystone of the Big Brothers program. Irvin F. Westheimer, distressed by a young boy foraging for food in a trash can, befriended the youth and learned that he was fatherless. Projecting that his new friend represented many boys, Mr. Westheimer informally talked to some business and personal friends. They all agreed that such boys could benefit from an association with interested men who would act as a BIG BROTHER to each of them.