YOUR CHILD HAS POTENTIAL

IGNITE IT

 

Studies show that something as simple as consistent time throughout the month with a Big Brother or Big Sister empowers children to reach their full potential. It's really that simple. For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has recruited, screened, matched, and supported mentoring relationships; it's what we do.

Our children's safety is our first priority. Each volunteer goes through a rigorous, detailed screening process that includes an in-depth interview, background checks, and references. In addition, those volunteers who apply for the Community-Based program also have a home visit and driver's records checks. And after a match is made, your case manager supports the match, helping with any questions or concerns that come up along the way. 

When you decide to enroll your child, a dedicated case manager walks you through all the steps. They'll work with you to understand your child's strengths and needs, their likes and dislikes. In addition to keeping your child safe, we also make sure he or she is matched with the right mentor for them.

 

THE STUDY

Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, looked at over 950 boys and girls from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country selected for their large size and geographic diversity. This study, conducted in 1994 and 1995, is widely considered to be foundational to the mentoring field in general and to Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based program in particular.

Approximately half of the children were randomly chosen to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. The others were assigned to a waiting list. The matched children met with their Big Brothers or Big Sisters about three times a month for an average of one year.

Researchers surveyed both the matched and unmatched children, and their parents on two occasions: when they first applied for a Big Brother or Big Sister, and again 18 months later.

 

THE RESULTS

Researchers found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, the Little Brothers and Little Sisters, compared to those children not in our program, were:

- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 37% less likely to skip a class
- 33% less likely to hit someone

They also found that the Littles were more confident of their performance in schoolwork and getting along better with their families.

YOUR CHILD HAS POTENTIAL

IGNITE IT

 

Studies show that something as simple as consistent time throughout the month with a Big Brother or Big Sister empowers children to reach their full potential. It's really that simple. For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has recruited, screened, matched, and supported mentoring relationships; it's what we do.

Our children's safety is our first priority. Each volunteer goes through a rigorous, detailed screening process that includes an in-depth interview, background checks, and references. In addition, those volunteers who apply for the Community-Based program also have a home visit and driver's records checks. And after a match is made, your case manager supports the match, helping with any questions or concerns that come up along the way. 

When you decide to enroll your child, a dedicated case manager walks you through all the steps. They'll work with you to understand your child's strengths and needs, their likes and dislikes. In addition to keeping your child safe, we also make sure he or she is matched with the right mentor for them.

 

THE STUDY

Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, looked at over 950 boys and girls from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country selected for their large size and geographic diversity. This study, conducted in 1994 and 1995, is widely considered to be foundational to the mentoring field in general and to Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based program in particular.

Approximately half of the children were randomly chosen to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. The others were assigned to a waiting list. The matched children met with their Big Brothers or Big Sisters about three times a month for an average of one year.

Researchers surveyed both the matched and unmatched children, and their parents on two occasions: when they first applied for a Big Brother or Big Sister, and again 18 months later.

 

THE RESULTS

Researchers found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, the Little Brothers and Little Sisters, compared to those children not in our program, were:

- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 37% less likely to skip a class
- 33% less likely to hit someone

They also found that the Littles were more confident of their performance in schoolwork and getting along better with their families.