We're glad you came to our website to learn how you can be a Big Brother or Big Sister. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is a lot of fun for both the child and you. In fact, our volunteers tell us they get as much out of it as the kids!
	Are you: ...someone who cares? ...interested in having some fun? Do you enjoy: ...talking to a friend? ...hiking, fishing, and outdoor activities? ...taking a walk? ...baking cookies, making crafts? ...sharing special times? What is a Big Brother/Big Sister? Who can take part in the program? How is the "Match" made? What are the benefits from a "Match"? What do I need to do to get involved? How is the program funded?
	Growing up is hard work! Children today face problems we never dreamed of when we were young. A Big Brother or a Big Sister can make the difference as to whether or not a child succeeds in developing the self-esteem and the confidence necessary to grow into a healthy, productive adult. What is a Big Brother/Big Sister? A Big Brother or a Big Sister can share in activities that friends enjoy: fishing, going to the park, baking cookies, bicycling, seeing a movie or just talking. The result? A child's self-esteem increases through the knowledge that a non-related adult genuinely cares for them. Who can take part in the program? Any child between the ages of 6 and 14 who has a need for a positive role model, and any volunteer over the age of 16, is eligible for consideration in the program. How is a "match" made? Matches are based on several criteria including common interests, the needs of a child, geographic location and the preferences of the volunteer, parent and child. Once a "Match" is made, a professional case manager is there to provide the support necessary to help the "Match" grow and mature.  The case manager keeps in regular contact with all parties to ensure that the match is a psoitive experience. What are the benefits from a "match"? A recent study conducted by Public / Private Ventures, a Philadelphia research firm, found that Little Brothers and Little Sisters who met with their "Bigs" on a regular basis were 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs and 52% less likely to skip a day of school than their peers. The study also shows the positive impact mentoring can have in developing the assets youth need in meeting the social, emotional and academic challenges of childhood and adolescence. For the adult, it is a chance to reconnect with one's youth, to share good times and friendship, and to make a positive difference in the life of a child. What do I need to do to get involved? Involvement begins with a desire to develop a friendship with a child through consistent contact. Adult volunteers - Individuals or Couples: Big Brothers and Big Sisters are needed throughout McHenry County. A minimum one-year commitment is required for most matches. To volunteer, call the Big Brothers Big Sisters office in McHenry at 815.385.3855. Children: A child can be referred by a family member, a community agency or a counselor. To refer a child to the program, call the Big Brothers Big Sisters office in McHenry at 815.385.3855. How is the program funded? Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County is a not-for-profit agency. All funding is provided by individual, organizational and corporate donations, foundations, government contracts, the United Way of McHenry County, Mental Health Resource League, special projects and events such as Bowl for Kids' Sake, Golf, and our annual Gala, as well as other fund raisers, private donations and grants. "If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in."
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