Big Friends Little Friends

Mission Statement

Big Friends Little Friends (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lawrence) matches children aged 6-14 with caring adults who serve as role models and friends. Matches meet 2-4 times per month for 2-4 hours each visit with a minimum of a 1-year commitment. Matches spend time in the community having fun, exploring interests, and building a relationship.

The program offers a variety of mentorship options:
Community-Based 1-on-1 Mentoring - Mentors and mentees get together on their own 2-4 times per month for 2-4 hours each visit. They spend time in the community doing activities such as shooting hoops, visiting a museum, or doing a craft. Matches are made with consideration to such things as geographic location, interests and personalities.

Mentor with a partners (spouse, friend, co-worker) - A community-based mentoring match where two mentors take turns spending time with one mentee. A "couple" can be friends, co-workers, siblings, partners, etc.

Family Matches - A community-based mentoring match in which an entire family is involved. Typically one adult takes the lead as the primary mentor, but all of the family members contribute to the mentorship relationship.

Cross-gender Matches - A match in which a female mentor is paired with a boy aged 12 years old or younger. There are many boys awaiting a mentor in the Big Friends Little Friends program.