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Bigs

What is a Big?

Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples are people who volunteer to spend time with a youth between the ages of 6-14. Volunteers need to be 16 years of age or older and come from all types of backgrounds such as college students, business professionals, retirees or stay-at-home individuals. 'Bigs' usually spend a few hours a month spending one-on-one time with an area child. Through the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, both children and adults share everyday experiences that enrich the lives of all involved.

Lunch Buddies Matches (School/Site Based)

All it takes is one 45 minute lunch out of your week to laugh, talk or play a board game with your Little. Through simple friendships, Bigs experience the joy of helping children discover a world of possibilities and opportunities.

Volunteers visit their Little at school one lunch hour a week. This special time can be the source of positive outcomes in youth. This program is perfect for the busy business professional with a flexible lunch schedule, college students, stay-at-home individuals or retirees. Through our tri-county service area, Big Brothers Big Sisters is partnering with over 20 school through the Lunch Buddies program.

Community based matches

Bigs and Littles get together a few times a month to enjoy everyday experiences together. Low-cost or no-cost activities such as taking a bike ride, baking cookies, visiting the library or raking leaves typically are the things they do together. During these outings, they cultivate relationships that provide the Littles with skills to manage everyday challenges. If one of these volunteer opportunities sounds like you, please call our offices or fill out an on-line application and you will be contacted by a Big Brothers Big Sister representative shortly.

These forms are for signing up to receive an application for becoming a Big Brother/Big Sister (It is not an official application for our program). The information you provide will be used to send you an official application form and information about Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Littles

What is a Little?

Littles are youth, between the ages of 6 to 14, who can benefit from having an additional positive adult role model. Littles can be referred to Big Brothers Big Sisters through a parent, guardian, teacher or social worker. Littles can come from single and two-parent homes, from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. The reason behind a match is that a parent, guardian or teacher believes that a child could benefit from the presence of an additional caring adult in his/her life. The parent or guardian gives permission for the child to participate.

Little Brothers and Sisters must:

  • Be between the ages of 6 and 16.
  • Be able to commit to at least one year to the program.
  • Want to have a Big Brother or Big Sister.

Statistics have proven that youth who are matched with a volunteer for a year have an increase in self esteem, better communication and a more positive attitude towards school. All youth entering the program will fill out an application (as well as their guardian) and meet their Case Manager for a home visit. Youth entering the Big Brothers Big Sisters are matched with a suitable mentor based on their interests, home city, compatible personalities and hobbies. We take the time to try and make a good match so that they can enjoy years of friendship and personal growth together.

This form is for signing up to receive an application for becoming a Little Brother/Little Sister (It is not an official application for our program). The information you provide will be used to send you an official application form and information about Big Brothers Big Sisters.