Make a Big Difference. Become a Mentor.
“I’m a firm believer that in your life, you should participate in your community. Do it because it’s the right thing to do. Raise the bar in your life by looking at becoming a Big Brother or Sister.” – Jim, Big Brother
“It’s heartbreaking when a mother calls to see if we’ve found a Big Brother for her son and we have to tell her he’s on a waiting list. It would be so great if we could match all of the kids with Bigs right after they sign up for the program.” – Amber, Program Director
Sadly, we have a waiting list full of children anxiously hoping a “Big” will come into their lives. The children in our community need you. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing a child’s life. But you know what? We’ve found that Bigs often get just as much out of the relationship as Littles. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is rewarding and life-changing.
Ready to talk about becoming a mentor? Just complete this short online form or call us at (530) 626-1222.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it take to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Not as much as you might think. A little encouragement and support goes a long way. It takes a commitment to developing your relationship, and it takes a little bit of time. Most Bigs meet with their Littles 2-4 times a month, for anywhere from an hour to several hours. You and your Little choose the schedule that works for you.
Can a couple or family mentor a child?
Yes! As long as everyone involved is supportive and committed to fulfilling the Big Brother Big Sister mission.
What would we do together?
Whatever you both want! You may choose to expose Littles to new activities to broaden their horizons. Things like fishing, seeing plays, hiking, concerts, volunteer work, golfing, or crafting. Or you can choose everyday things like riding your bicycles, going for a walk, helping with homework, baking a cake, or watching a movie. It’s not as much about the activity as giving children a caring, supportive adult to look up to. For more ideas, check out this list of over 100 free or low-cost activities you can do together.
If you choose to mentor through the school-based program, you’ll meet your Little once a week on the school campus for about an hour. There, you can help with homework, play some ball, work on a craft project, or just talk. Click here for more information on the school-based program.
Can anybody be a Big?
Adults of all ages are encouraged to talk to us. You don’t need to be cool, or young, or able to name the latest band or play video games. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist or a corporate vice-president. We need everyday people of all races, ages, and interests. Both adults and high school students may be mentors through our school-based program.
We’ll meet with you, ask you some questions, and give you a chance to ask us questions. And we conduct a background check for the safety of the children. There’s never any obligation in meeting with us to see if it’s right for you.
Why do these children need Big Brothers or Sisters?
Many of the children in our program are in difficult situations through no fault of their own; a father who’s abandoned the family, a mother with a dependency problem, a parent in jail. Like any child, they just need someone stable they can count on. Someone they know will be there when promised, who they can talk to, and share time with. Someone who can help teach them about life and expose them to new, positive environments.
How does this program help children?
Through our programs, we’ve seen children become happier and more confident. We’ve seen many of them grow into happy, healthy adults.
And research proves it works. In one study1, results showed 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
The study also found that the Littles were more confident of their performance in schoolwork and getting along better with their families.
And the effects on a Little are contagious, as the children interact more positively with and influence those around them.
How do I learn more?
Just complete this short online form and one of our representatives will get in touch with you. Or just call us at (530) 626-1222. There’s no obligation. If you decide it’s not right for you, we understand. But you just may find yourself in one of the most rewarding roles of your life.
11994-1995 study conducted by Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, who 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.
