Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children ages 6 through 18 withmentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. We have volunteer programs in communities across the country -- including yours.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has a variety of volunteer opportunities available.

Matches come together through our two essential programs:

• Community-based Mentoring : For as little as an hour a week, Bigs and Littles meet in their community to share fun activities ... stories ... and a little bit of themselves.
• School-based Mentoring : Bigs and Littles meet once a week in schools, libraries and community centers, to talk and have fun. It's not about being a tutor ... it's about being a friend.

Our Mentoring Programs Work

National research has shown that positive relationships between youthand their Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentors have a direct andmeasurable impact on children's lives. By participating in our youthmentoring programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are:

• More confident in their schoolwork performance
• Able to get along better with their families
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52% less likely to skip school.

1 Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., and Resch, N.L. (1995) Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters . Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures