Become a Mentor: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

Incorporated in 1977, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island is a private,non-sectarian, not-for-profit,501c3 tax exempt organization.

We assist children who are at-risk because of

family or personal situations. There are no fees for the families or volunteers participating in our program.

1-to-1 Match (Community Based) An adult volunteer from the community is matched with a child who, due to family or environmental factors, could significantly benefit from the additional support and guidance a mentor provides throughout the duration of the match. By spending consistent time together, a meaningful growth and development for the child.

Mentors can provide the additional support and individualized attention a sibling may be seeking by providing consistent positive role modeling.

A 'Big' is a volunteer mentor who is matched in a one-to-one relationship with a child ('Little') in our program. A mentor is a friend, a supporter, a positive and consistent addition to the life of a Little. A Big Brother or Big Sister is not a replacement parent, a babysitter or a therapist. Rather someone to help share a different perspective on life and help their Little to realize their endless potential. Accepted volunteer mentors are 18 or older. You must also complete an in-depth interview with one of our program staff and sign off on a background and DMV check to be conducted on your behalf. We request that you agree to a minimum of one year to be matched with a child, and to spend at minimum a couple of hours a week a few times per month with them. It is not the amount of time that matters most, but your consistency that matters most to the children in our program. Approximately 20% of all out current matches have been together for 5 or more years! Once a Big and a Little are matched, they are assigned a Case Manager who will oversee and monitor the match for its duration. Our designated staff is available for answers to any questions, to guide and assist with any issues or difficulties, and to ensure that all parties are benefiting from the relationship. Additionally, BBBSLI provides training and support services for the duration of the match relationship.

Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 12 months or longer

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, Gang At-Risk, General Youth Population, Incarcerated Parent, LGBTQ Youth, Low Income, Parent Involved in Military, Single-Parent Household

Mentoring Program Goals: Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors

Ages of Youth Served: 8-10, 11-14, 15-18

Learn More: Visit our website at bbbsli.org or call us at (516) 731-7880 ext. 1212!

Private Group Details:

• Group Size Range: 1 - 50+
• Event can be held at a volunteer group location (e.g. office, park)
• Event can be held at organization location(s)
• No Donation

Watch our video to learn more: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island