Giving Profile...(.pdf)

Big Brothers Big Sisters Program

Little Moments...Big Magic

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windham County is a program of Youth Services
that matches children in need of companionship with caring and responsible
adult volunteers or mentors. The program's mission is to make a positive
difference in the lives of local youth, primarily through a professionally
supported, one-to-one relationship with a mentor.

Are you?

• A volunteer interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister?
• A parent or guardian interested in finding a Big for your child?
• A Big or a Little currently engaged in our program, or a child waiting to be "matched" with a Big?
• Interested in supporting BBBS through our fundraiser Bowl for Kids' Sake?

The children who participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) typically are between the ages of six and 14-years-old. They are selected as program participants because they will benefit emotionally, socially and educationally from the companionship provided by a one-to-one friendship. At present, there are nearly 200 youngsters from Windham County and nearby New Hampshire matched with mentors through this local program, with forty more on the waiting list.

What kind of people become Big Brothers and Big Sisters?

Individuals from all walks of life who enjoy interacting with children and sharing simple everyday activities with them become Bigs.

The program's goal is to provide children with a fun friendship with an adult that helps them realize their talents and abilities as well as their importance as individuals.

How successful is the program?

Recent surveys of Windham County’s Little Brothers and Little Sisters demonstrate a 79% increase in their self-confidence; 74% increase in their ability to express their feelings; 67% increase in their decision-making ability; 66% increase in their academic performance and their use of school resources; 61% improvement in their attitude towards school.

National research also demonstrates that “mentoring” – pairing a caring adult volunteer with a young person for a mutually rewarding friendship – is an effective method of addressing all sorts of youth-related issues, from combating drug and alcohol use and violence to getting along better with their families and peers. Hard data gathered nation-wide by the organization indicates adult attention is a major factor in youth success, with Little Brothers and Little Sisters 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs; 27% less likely to begin using alcohol; 52% less likely to skip school; and more confident about their academic performance in school.

Taking a vacation or business trip?
Turn your trip into a gift!
Make a reservation at a Holiday Inn hotel by using the link above and 9% of the proceeds will go directly to
Big Brothers Big Sisters.