Become a Mentor: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, NY

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, NY operates under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. BBBSOC mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. By partnering with families, volunteers and others in the community, BBBSOC is accountable for each enrolled child achieving higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors and educational success.

BBBSOC targets its mentoring programs towards youth facing the following adversities: youth from low income families and/or disadvantaged areas; youth of incarcerated parents; youth with disabilities, both physical and behavioral; juvenile justice involved youth; youth in foster homes; youth who are physically or sexually abused; underperforming students; students at risk of dropping out of school; youth of immigrant families; and youth with one or more parents in the military.

Big Brothers Big Sisters focuses on evidence-based, successful, long-term mentoring and we report our outcomes. BBBSOC evidence-based programs seek to address social, emotional, and behavioral concerns, and in doing so ensure children a much better chance at achieving a happy and productive life in the future. It has been found that social support for children and a sense of hopefulness are protective factors against the development of both internalizing and externalizing problems, regardless of the number of stressful life events a child may have experienced. Furthermore, studies have shown that the nationally recognized BBBSA model can ameliorate children's lives in the areas of academics, relationships and avoidance of risk behaviors.

We're always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. Big Brothers especially are in high demand. For a few hours, a couple times a month, mentors can give a mentee the invaluable gift of their friendship. By simply changing the mentee's perspective of what the world can offer, mentors can literally start changing their life. Play a board game. Make fun crafts. Hit the playground together. Just as the options are unlimited, so is your mentee's potential.



Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 12 months or longer

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, Adjudicated/court involved, First-Generation College, Gang At-Risk, General Youth Population, Homeless/Runaway, Incarcerated Parent, LGBTQ Youth, Low Income, Mental Health Issues, Parent Involved in Military, Recent Immigrant/Refugee, School Drop-Out, Single-Parent Household, Special Education, Youth with Disabilities

Mentoring Program Goals: Education/Academic Support, Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors

Ages of Youth Served: 8-10, 11-14, 15-18