About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mission:

To help children reach their potential though professionally

supported, one-to-one® relationships.

For over 100 years nationally and over 40 years in DeKalb County, the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs have defined the meaning and refined the importance of youth mentoring. The Big Brothers Big Sisters professional staff uses the one-to-one® mentoring system to match one child (the Little) with on adult (the Big) volunteer, paving the way for magical moments with life changing impacts. Research shows that Little Brothers and Little Sisters do better in school, feel better about themselves and have better peer relationships, which leads to a positive ripple effect that directly contributes to stronger schools, better communitied and brighter futures.

School ages children (5-14 years) living in DeKalb County, who will benefit from having a positive role model, are eligible to enroll in Big Brothers Big Sisters. The parent, the child and the volunteer must:

1. Agree to the service
2. Agree to stay in the program for at least one (1) year
3. Agree that the child will be available a consistent amount of time to meet each week with the volunteer.

For information about the Community Based program and to learn more about the application process, contact Meagan at 815.758.8616.

Once a child has been accepted into one of the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, the staff will search for the right Big Brother or Big Sister while the child goes on the ready-to-be-matched list. The parent will be contacted as soon as a 'Big' volunteer is found to be suitable for a match.

While the child is on the Community Based program's Waiting Littles list, and depending on the age of the child, he/she will belong to the Fun Bunch (ages 5-12) or Club 13 (ages 13-18) and will be invited to various Waiting Littles activities. The Big Brothers Big Sisters department often partners with community service organizations, clubs, fraternities/sororities or church groups as sponsors so that these activities are free to the children. If your organization or club would like to sponsor an activity, please contact Meagan.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor supported program and is able to offer quality service at no cost to the volunteer or to the families because of funding through private contributions, donations, foundations, United Way agencies and fundraisers such as Bowl For Kids' Sake.  All supporters help bring a positive role model to children who need and want one. Please click donate for more information about how to make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters or contact Karen at 815.758.8616.

Troy Aikman, recruiting for Big Brothers