Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Description

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches caring adults with children for 1-2 hours 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, parents, social workers, or counselors have referred them for individualized one-on-one concentrated time. Typically, an hour or two 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, self-esteem, self-confidence and academic achievement, while putting a little fun and extra meaning into the volunteer's day and week. Volunteers enroll through Big Brothers Big Sisters and following an interview and enrollment process, are oriented to their local school 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.