Who is Big Brothers Big Sisters?

 Who is Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) began in the early 1900's as two separate organizations: Big Brothers Associations and Big Sisters International. In 1977 the two merged and became Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters currently operates in all 50 states—and in 12 countries around the world. 

What do they do?

As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, long-term matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 5 through 15, in communities across the country, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. By recruiting mentors and making sure their staff are well trained,  BBBS changes lives for the better, forever.

How do they create a welcoming and inclusive environment?

BBBS accepts children ages 5-15 from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all corners of the country. They are in as many schools as possible, and have done campaigns to recruit more mentors and bilingual mentors, and to increase partnerships with cultural groups. They provide children facing adversity strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

Why is being an inclusive organization important?

By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and others in the community we are accountable for each child in our program achieving higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships while avoiding risky behaviors to achieve educational success.