Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson County, Inc.

Description

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches caring adults with children for one hour each week in school. They read together, play board games or just talk. Children benefit; adults feel like a kid again.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides opportunities for volunteers of all ages to be friends to children who need extra time and attention to succeed in school and with family and peers. Volunteers are needed to be school-based mentors to children whose teachers have referred them for individualized one-on-one concentrated time. Typically, an hour each week talking about what is on the child's mind, reading the newspaper together or puzzling over a class assignment, has a positive impact on the child's attitude about school and academic achievement, while putting a little fun and extra meaning into the volunteer's day and week. Volunteers are also needed for our Community Based program requiring one hour per week commitment to the child. Activities can include: riding bicycles, walking, going to a movie, running errands, or just hanging out. Volunteers enroll through Big Brothers Big Sisters and following an interview, references and a background check, are oriented to their program and introduced to a little brother or little sister by BBBS staff. Regular support is available to assure that the relationship builds over time, and any logistical problems are resolved. Teachers report that children with Bigs have an improved attitude about school, better relationships with peer and adults, and improved academic performance.