Big Borthers Big Sisters of America
...h their potential through professionally supported, one ¡V on ¡V one relationships.¡¨ Big Brothers Big Sisters is a not-for-profit organization made up of many volunteers, who make this organization so special. Many men and women are just searching for a way to make a difference, and Big Brothers Big Sisters gives them that opportunity. Bigs are all types of people from all walks of life, including high school and college students to successful business men and women to retirees. These dedicated people volunteer anywhere from one hour a week to a few hours per month depending on the type of mentoring they do. The first type of mentoring is school based where the Bigs go to the school of the Little one hour per week in the school setting to improve confidence in school work and to help the children stay in school. The second type of mentoring is community based, where Bigs pick up their Little and go out on the town to do something social, becoming strong and lasting friends in the process. Research shows this type of mentoring helps children build relationship bonds and to become well-rounded members of their society. In contrast, the Littles are at risk youth who are most commonly associated with single parent families and those children with an incarcerated parent(s). This friendship with their Big provides these children with a one ¡V on ¡V one relationship that most of them cannot get at home. They also learn valuable lessons on how to manage every day challenges. Most grow up so inspired by the impact their Big had on their life that when they are older, they too become a Big. Communities start becoming more aware of what they need to do to keep their children safe and out of trouble. Thus, the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization helps its communities by help the children find good values, self ¡V esteem, and friendship. Littles are forty-six percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs; w...