Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland matches children throughout Cuyahoga County, ages 8 through 15, with volunteer mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships.
Making the Connection
Matches come together through our two essential programs:
- Community-based Mentoring : For as little as an hour a week, Bigs and Littles meet in their community to share fun activities … stories … and a little bit of themselves. Learn more »
- Site-based Mentoring : Bigs and Littles meet once a week in schools, libraries and community centers, to talk and have fun. It’s not about being a tutor … it’s about being a friend. Learn more »
- Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program: One volunteer (or couple), matched to one youth who has at least one incarcerated parent, meeting on a consistent basis 2-4 times per month for one year. Learn more »
Learn about other national program initiatives »
How a Big becomes a Big (and a Little a Little)
A lot of things have to happen before we make a match. All of our Bigs go through a thorough background check and careful interview process. Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities and preferences. And we provide full support along the way — so that matches can grow into lasting friendships.
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What Bigs and Littles Do
Getting together is a great time for both Bigs and Littles. It doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activities; just a few hours every month sharing simple things you already enjoy with a young person. Things like….
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Your donation will make a difference
Calls come in every day from parents, teachers and guidance counselors. They know what a difference a mentor can make in a child’s life. Your gift can help make Big magic for children in your local community by:
- Helping us to recruit new Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers
- Ensuring that trained professionals match children to caring and responsible Bigs
- Offering one-on-one, ongoing supervision and support for every match
- Providing cultural and social activities to enrich the opportunities for children
And 92.2% of every dollar you give goes directly to making and supporting matches; the remainder covers overall program administration.
Think about a child who has wished for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Someone to have fun with and confide in. Someone to be a mentor. A guide. A friend. Now … think of how your gift could make a difference in that child’s life.
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Ready to Get Involved?
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