The Program

Our Vision:

That all youth achieve their full potential.

Our Mission:

Creating and supporting 1:1 mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

The Basics of Big Brothers Big Sisters:

What are "Bigs"?

Bigs are adults ages 18+ (16+ for school-based programs).
They are regular people and come from diverse backgrounds, just like our Littles!
They want to positively impact the life of a young person.

What are "Littles"?

Littles are children ages 6-13 (but can matched with their Big until they are 18).
They come from diverse backgrounds, just like our Bigs!
Their parent/ guardian believes that they could benefit from the presence of an additional caring adult in their life.
They want to spend time with their Big.

The process:

Everyone (Bigs, Littles, Parents/Guardians) submits an application and has an interview with us. Additionally, everyone receives training.
Bigs are screened with reference checks and background checks. They are also required to complete an online training.

Our part:

BBBSTV staff members are an ongoing part of the matches. They provide support through ongoing contact with all matched parties, crisis intervention (if needed), guidance, and resources. They also facilitate match activities that allow matches to build support networks and experience things they may not have access to on their own.

How Our Community Benefits from Big Brothers Big Sisters Programs:

PERSONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT: Mentorship supports social, emotional, and behavioral success. Having a mentor helps prevent risky behaviors
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Mentors open mentees to a new world of networking and opportunity. They also support career exploration, emotionally and hand on activities.
IMPROVED EDUCATION: Mentorship supports the learning or enhancing academic skills, especially post pandemic.
BETTER MENTAL HEALTH: Mentors provide support to mentees and their families to promote overall wellbeing. They can help kids cope with anxiety and depression.
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION: Big Brothers Big Sisters started as an alternative to juvenile incarceration... and it still is, along with having a preventative impact as well, by providing comprehensive support.

COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM

Bigs and Littles conduct their activities in the community, based on the child's needs and interests.
During unstructured weekly or biweekly outings, Littles gain new skills, explore new interests, and expand their experience beyond their family or neighborhood.

SITE-BASED (SCHOOL) PROGRAM