VOLUNTEER!

I want to be a

Big Brother

or Big Sister!

Visit the national website to complete your application online

*****

A Big for my Child

Visit the national website to complete your application online

*****

OR

Call 691-5700

Experience the Magic

In our own lives, each of us has been touched by someone who introduced us

to new worlds and brought a little magic into our lives - catching fireflies for the first time, flying a kite, a trip to the ballpark, building sandcastles at the beach or devouring an ice cream sundae. Big Brothers Big Sisters is about creating

                                                                   Little Moments and Big Magic.

Since 1966, we've been bringing magic into the lives of children.  Using comprehensive screening methods and on-going support by professional staff, we have served over 17,000 youth across the Midlands with adult volunteers.  Over the years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters services have grown to include many different approaches, but one thing has remained constant - we match children with volunteer Bigs and they are both forever changed by the experience!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia helps children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships.  Matches between BIGS (concerned and committed adult volunteers) and LITTLES (age 5-17) are made.  The volunteers assist young people in becoming confident, competent and caring individuals; positively impacting their community, home and school relationships. 

In Community-Based Mentoring, volunteer BIGS provide their LITTLES with a minimum of four hours per month of one-to-one time and attention. Through friendship and role modeling of positive behaviors, BIGS show their LITTLES a world of possibilities and opportunities by sharing everyday experiences that enrich the lives of the child, their families and the volunteer.  In School-Based Mentoring, volunteers provide one-to-one

time and attention in the child’s school or another approved site, once a week during the academic year. As their relationships evolve, BIGS and LITTLES discover ways to make school and learning fun. 

Volunteers are enrolled by completing an application; the orientation, interview and assessment; background checks; reference checks; as well as other documentation.  Children and parents are enrolled through an orientation, application, interview and assessment.  Once a match is made between a BIG and a LITTLE, our professional staff follow up with the volunteer and parent to ensure the continued success of the relationship.

Our mentoring programs help Little Brothers and Sisters achieve goals in academics, relationship building, life skills and healthy habits.  In 2008, BBBSGC served 386 children through one-to-one mentoring.  This was a 10% increase in service from the previous year, and added to the 60% growth in our mentoring programs since 2004. 

In 2008, our Little Brothers and Little Sisters made BIG strides toward success and their potential.   They improved in areas like academic performance and behavior, self-confidence and self-expression, reduced delinquency and risky behaviors, and improved relationships with peers, family and other adults.  Here are just a few examples:

·         97% experienced an increase in their Confidence assets like

                    confidence, self-expression and decision-making.

·         79% experienced an increase in their Competence assets, including

                    academic performance and behavior.

·         82% experienced an increase in their Caring assets such as

                    showing trust and improving relationships. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia is an independent, volunteer-directed community organization governed by a local Board of Directors, and is an affiliate in good standing of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.  The agency serves Richland & Lexington Counties, South Carolina.

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