Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children ages 5 through 13 with adults in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. While many of the friendships developed through Big Brothers Big Sisters last a lifetime, the formal program, or "match" may continue until the child is 18 years old or graduates from high school.

Our Terminology

• "Big" - A volunteer Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple who generously donates his and/or her time to be a friend in a mentoring relationship with a child
• "Little" - The child enrolled in one of our programs
• "Match" - The outcome of pairing a Big and a Little for a mentoring relationship, after a careful screening and interview process by our professional staff

Making the Connection

Matches come together through our two essential programs:

• Community-based Mentoring: For just a few hours a month, 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, and community centers, to talk and have fun. It’s not about being a tutor … it’s about being a friend. Learn more » 
  
• *NEW* Activity-based Mentoring: Bigs and Littles participate in a new Sports Buddies program to watch and play sports together each month. Learn more » 

Learn about other specialized programs»

How a Big becomes a Big (and a Little a Little)

A lot of things have to happen before we make a match. All 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.

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….

• Shooting hoops
• Playing a board game
• Sharing a pizza
• Taking a walk on the beach or in the park
• Or just hanging out and talking

More information on volunteering »
Volunteer now »
More information on enrolling a child » 
Enroll a child now »
More info on child safety » 

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-to-one, ongoing supervision and support for every match
• Providing cultural and social activities to enrich the opportunities for children

And 91% 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.

Donate now »