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Community-Based Mentoring  Referring a Child to BBBS

Community-Based Mentoring  
Big Brothers and Big Sisters can open a world of possibilities and opportunities for a young person simply by being a genuine friend. You will build treasured memories through a friendship that will change your life and a child's life forever.

How does it work? Volunteer mentors (Bigs) provide mentees (Littles) with one-on-one time and attention typically two to four times a month. Together they enjoy activities such as fishing, baking cookies, washing the car, raking leaves and munching on popcorn while watching a movie. 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.

Benefits for Bigs:
  • A new friendship with a young person who can benefit from your support and friendship
  • A chance to give back
  • Add fun, challenge and excitement into your life
  • Develop friendships with others who volunteer
  • Belong to a nationally recognized premier mentoring organization
  • Learn new skills, leadership, commitment, and gain an appreciation for diversity
Benefits for Littles:
Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring makes a huge difference for the youth it serves. Research consistently demonstrates that Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring helps youth overcome the many challenges they face. The most compelling evidence was found by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV),1 showing that Little Brothers and Little Sisters are:
  • 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 class;
  • More confident in their schoolwork performance;
  • Able to get along better with their families.
Children look forward to spending time with their Big Brother or Sister, and for many it is the highlight of their week. This is not surprising to us because we can all remember the person in our life that brought a little magic just by being there.

How can Bigs volunteer? How can Littles enroll?
  • To start the enrollment process contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 815-385-3855 or info@bbbsmchenry.org
 

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