 Big Brothers Big Sisters 100 Years of Youth Mentoring Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. In 2004, the organization served more than 225,000 youth ages five through 18, in 5,000 communities across the country, through a network of 470 agencies. National research has shown that the positive relationships between Big Brothers and Big Sisters and their Littles have a direct, measurable, and lasting impact on children's lives. To experience the difference Big Brother or Big Sister can make, read about real life matches. Research and anecdotal evidence show specifically that BBBS one-to-one mentoring helps at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face. Little Brothers and Sisters are less likely to begin using illegal drugs, consume alcohol, skip school and classes, or engage in acts of violence. They have greater self-esteem, confidence in their schoolwork performance, and are able to get along better with their friends and families. In 2003, Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected by Forbes Magazine as one of its top ten charities, making the publication's "gold star" list of charities which it believes are worthy of donor consideration, in its annual survey of 200 large charities. The magazine surveyed 200 non-profits and rated them on how efficiently they collect and distribute dollars. Forbes looked at three categories: charitable commitment; fundraising efficiency, and donor dependency. There are two core Big Brothers Big Sisters programs: Big Brothers Big Sisters - Community-based Volunteers provide Littles with one-on-one time and attention in their communities, typically two to four times a month. During these unstructured outings they cultivate relationships that provide children with skills to manage every day challenges. Through simple friendship, Bigs experience the joy of helping children discover a world of possibilities and opportunities. Big Brothers Big Sisters in Schools Volunteers provide Littles with one-on-one time and attention in their schools, typically once a week during the academic year. Teachers identify children who can benefit most from interaction with a caring adult. As their friendships evolve, volunteers and children discover ways to make school and learning fun. Additionally, there are several related programs that are customized to specific categories of children, volunteers or partners. They include: Amachi Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteers can have a lasting impact by mentoring a child who has an incarcerated parent. Amachi, a Nigerian Ibo term meaning "Who knows what God has brought us through this child," is a faith-based program focusing on providing positive role models for children that have a parent who is currently in prison. Volunteers are asked to go on two outings a month with a child for at least one year. A volunteer and their "Little" can enjoy fishing, bowling, shopping, going to the park, going to ball games, or just hanging out! You can help stop the cycle of incarceration by being consistent, and just being there! Because this is a faith-based program, there are also enhanced opportunities for your congregation to partner with this worthwhile outreach. First Mentors: High School Bigs High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors provide elementary student Littles with one-on-one time and attention, once a week during the academic year. The pairs meet during or after school hours depending on the proximity of their school locations. High School Bigs experience the joy and life changing power of service, build college resumes, and may receive school credits. Littles have the opportunity to connect with a role model close to their own age whom they identify with strongly. Big Brothers Big Sisters works closely with parents and guardians to match every child with the right Big. Every volunteer is screened, trained, and supervised, and professionals in youth development support each match to help ensure that the relationship will be safe and rewarding for everyone involved. 1Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., and Resch, N.L. (1995) Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures 
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