OUR PROGRAMS
Big Brothers Big Sisters changes the way children see the world and interact with it. As the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 5 through 18. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
COMMUNITY-BASED MENTORING
Community-based mentoring relationships involve one-on-one outings and activities, doing things the Big and Little enjoy together, like:
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Taking a walk in the park
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Going to a football game
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Going to an event hosted by BBBS
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Listening to music
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Hanging out and talking
Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends. Others get together with their Littles on weekday evenings. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them!
Role Models Make An Impact.
Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol. Students who are successful in school are less likely to drop out, abuse drugs, or commit crimes.
SCHOOL-BASED MENTORING
It may sound obvious, but sometimes the best place to help a child realize their potential is at school. Kids enjoy having their Bigs meet with them there, whether it’s in the classroom or on the playground. And parents know what a positive impact it makes.
It's Teacher Approved!
Some of the biggest supporters of our School-Based Mentoring program are actually teachers. They see students come back from their time with their Big filled with confidence, smiling big, ready to learn and eager to succeed.
Learning About Life Although it takes place at schools, our School-Based Mentoring program isn’t limited to the classroom. Of course, some Littles do talk with their Bigs about class, or do homework, or read together, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground. At the end of the day, it's really all about starting a friendship, providing guidance and inspiring them to reach their potential. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we have tremendous confidence in our ability to impact children and put them on the right path. But it means, even more, when an outside study comes to the same conclusion.
HOW TO BECOME
a Big or Little
Before we make a match, we do our homework. After someone expresses an interest in becoming a Big, they go through an extensive background check and careful interview process.
Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities, and preferences. And we provide full support from the start, so matches can grow into lasting, fruitful friendships. It’s also important to note that the entire matching process is made possible through donations—we can’t do what we do best without them!
