Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that helps match caring mentors with children who need the friendship of a special adult in their lives. Children are referred to the agency by their parents, schools, or other social service agencies. Our professional staff interviews each child and parent, visits the home, and assesses individual needs. Carefully screened volunteers provide Littles with one-on-one time and attention in their communities and schools. By providing each child with a mentor and friend, Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to provide children with the skills they need to manage every day challenges.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County is an affiliate of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, the largest affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation's oldest and largest youth mentoring organization and celebrated 100 years of service in 2004. Since 1991, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County has paired over 1600 adults and children, helping them to develop fulfilling friendships. We have served almost 2000 matches and consistently have about 100 children waiting for a Big Brothers or Big Sister at any one time.
Why is this important?
Mentoring WORKS! Nationwide studies over the past fifty-five years report that children matched to a Big Brother or Big Sister are more cooperative at home, perform better at school and make better decisions within their peer group. Youth involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are:
- 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely than their peers to start drinking
- 33% less likely than their peers to behave violently
- 52% less likely to skip school