Founded originally in Kansas City in 1964, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City (BBBSKC) has served more than 20,000 at-risk youth in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Serving over 1,700 youth in Kansas City each year, BBBSKC provides children facing adversity in one-to-one life-changing friendships with adult mentors. BBBSKC matches school-aged youth (Littles) from one-parent or other non-traditional homes, with caring, adult volunteers (Bigs).
'Bigs' are given the opportunity to choose their 'Little' based on their prospective Little's age, geography, hobbies, interests, race, religion and other preferences that would help them create their ideal match. Each 'Big' agrees to a once a week or twice a month match with their 'Little', allowing them to do everyday things (sports, movies, games, cooking, etc...) on a consistent basis. Children range in age from ages 8 - 17 and every child must agree to be a willing participant, ensuring the 'Big' is choosing a 'Little' that wants to be matched.
Bigs are matched as Big Brothers, Big Sisters or as part of a Big Couple!
BBBSKC believes that youth who have a positive adult influence in his or her life are better able to reach their full potential. These one-to-one friendships, or "matches", last a minimum of one year. BBBSKC's average match length is 27 months, which is significantly longer than the national average match length of 20 months. BBBSKC offers at-risk children a long-term developmental relationship with a caring adult. Bigs serve as friends, mentors and role models, helping youth gain greater self-confidence and leadership skills. This model has been proven effective in changing the self-image of the child and therefore his or her behavior.
'Bigs' are simply everyday people who are willing to share their time with a 'Little' on our waiting list. All volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and able to consistently meet with their Little either once a week or twice a month depending on the mentoring program they choose. Volunteers are screened via a Background Check as part of the application process. Our Bigs come from all walks of life and as long as the time commitment, age minimum and application process is completed we welcome anyone who wants to be a part of a life-changing friendship.
Big Brothers are matched to Little Brothers, Big Sisters are matched to Little Sisters OR Big Couples are matched to Little Brothers. Big Couples are a pair of Bigs in a long-term relationship that want to be matched to the same Little Brother. While all Bigs are invited to integrate their Little into their everyday lives, our Big Couples have the benefit of both Bigs having the option of a one on one outing OR all three of you can meet up! This provides additional flexibility around scheduling and activities.
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