Looking to get involved? Whether you’re interested in enrolling your child, donating, or stepping up as a Big, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers several types of programs in our community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters targets the children who need us most, including those living in single parent homes, growing up in poverty and coping with parental incarceration. Starting something begins with finding a great match between a Big and a Little. Making these matches, and performing all the background work involved with them, is possible because of donations from people like you. It’s also why we’re able to offer such a wide variety of youth mentoring programs that pair children, ages 6 to 14, with role models in one-to-one relationships.
Littles meet with their Bigs at their school, or in another facilitated setting. Whether it’s talking about homework, drawing or reading together, playing a board game, or shooting hoops in the gym, site-based Bigs have the opportunity to meet students where they are and provide guidance to help them reach their potential.
Mentoring takes place in the community rather than in a facilitated setting. Community-based mentoring relationships involve one-on-one outings and activities, doing things that both the Big and Little enjoy together. This might include things like taking a walk in the park, going to a museum, listening to music, attending an event hosted by the agency, or even just hanging out and talking.
Bigs in Blue is a one-to-one mentoring program that connects youth with police in communities throughout our nation, building strong, trusting, lasting relationships. As part of either the Community-Based or Site-Based program, these relationships can help build stronger bonds between law enforcement and the families they serve.
UTC Bigs is an organization on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga that provides students with an opportunity to positively impact the youth of our community through an affiliation with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, through either the Community-Based or Site-Based program.
Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit.
Mentor a high school student at Tyner High School for 2 years as they complete a leadership class. Communicate weekly on an online platform and meet in person with the class and other mentors once a month.
This program is specifically designed to work with youth falling behind in reading. Bigs receive literacy-focused coaching and BBBS provides books and activities for mentors to review and read with Littles during weekly one-on-one meetings.
An opportunity for high school students to mentor a child during school hours. This program is perfect for K-12 schools, as Bigs can mentor younger students at their own school.
67% of former Littles surveyed agree that their Big played a role in their decision to attend college.
Start a college grad. 67% of former Littles surveyed agree that their Big played a role in their decision to attend college.
Before we make a match, we do our homework. After someone expresses an interest in becoming a Big, they go through an extensive background check and careful interview process. Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities and preferences. And we provide full support from the start, so matches can grow into lasting, fruitful friendships. It’s also important to note that the entire matching process is made possible through donations—we can’t do what we do best without them! What’s a Big and Little to do? Each match is unique. Getting together doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activity—just a few hours every month doing things the Little and Big already enjoy.
✓ Playing catch
✓ Reading books
✓Getting ice cream
✓Going to a museum
✓Providing advice and inspiration
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The School Mentoring Coordinator is a full-time position responsible for supporting volunteer mentors and mentees in school-based mentoring relationships and implementing facilitated mentoring programs in schools. This position provides ongoing guidance and support to Littles and Volunteer Bigs in mentoring relationships on a regular basis. The School Mentoring Coordinator monitors mentoring interactions and offers insights and advice to ensure child safety, facilitate healthy relationship development, and promote positive youth outcomes. This position also facilitates in-person sessions for programs and creates strategic partnerships to recruit additional partners and volunteers for this program. This position reports directly to the School Programs Manager.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga proudly announces Shadrina Booker as its new Chief Executive Officer. A long-time Chattanooga resident, Shadrina brings deep passion and commitment to fostering meaningful connections in her new role, having previously served as the agency’s Chief Development & Marketing Officer and the City of Chattanooga’s Director of Community Engagement.
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Jessica Whatley announces her resignation as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, effective August 31st, 2024, after spending 11 years within the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and more than 5 years in Chattanooga.
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