Most people know the name “Big Brothers Big Sisters”, but they may not be sure of exactly what it means. Big Brothers Big Sisters (or BBBS) is an established youth organization. Recently, the heads of two local agencies, Beatrix Jerkins of BBBS of Atlantic & Cape May Counties and Donna Bennett of BBBS Cumberland and Salem Counties, sat down to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about their work.

What sets Big Brothers Big Sisters apart from other children’s service agencies?

We are the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. For over a century, Big Brothers and Big Sisters have helped children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships with proven results. One-to-one relationships make a huge difference because a child is getting individualized attention, rather than being part of a larger group. Big Brothers Big Sisters currently operates in all 50 states … and in 35 countries around the world. Our experienced approach to recruiting, screening, matching and supporting our mentoring relationships has resulted in thousands of lasting relationships, and helped change the lives of young people across the country.

We are very proud of the fact that Big Brothers Big Sisters was named by Forbes as one of America’s ten best nonprofit organizations. It is also important to know that 92.2% of every dollar donated goes directly to programs for children in need and all the money raised in the community, stays in the community.

What kind of programs does BBBS offer?

Our two essential programs are: Community-based Mentoring : For as little as an hour a week, Bigs and Littles meet in their community to share fun activities. 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.

What are the benefits to the child?

The individualized attention and companionship our children receive as a result of being matched has proven to help keep them from abusing drugs and alcohol, keep them in school and greatly reduce the likelihood they will have delinquent or aggressive behaviors. Calls come in every day from parents, teachers and guidance counselors. They know what a difference a mentor can make in a child’s life!

How does a child qualify to get a Big Brother or a Big Sister?

Our mission is to provide a positive mentoring relationship to every child who wants and needs one. Any child can qualify. Children in our program are from all walks of life and are as diverse as all America. What they have in common is a need to have a guiding role model in their lives. Unfortunately, we have a lot of kids that are waiting, because we need more volunteers – especially men.

How can I help my local Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Please consider volunteering for BBBS. If you’re not quite ready to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, you could help with a fundraiser, serve on a committee, provide tickets to sports, cultural and social activities to enrich the
opportunities for children, or talk to your workplace about becoming a corporate partner. To succeed in our mission, we also need funding. Screening, training, and supervising each match of child and mentor costs an average of $1,000 per year.

Without the generosity of local businesses and individuals, we can’t help at-risk children fulfill their potential as positive members of the community.

Think about a child who has wished for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Someone to have fun with and confide in. Someone to be a mentor. A guide. A friend. Please think of how your gift could make a difference in that child’s life.  It’s easy to make a donation online! Simply go the website www.bbbs.org and enter your zip code to be taken to our local site. Or you can call us or mail us from the information below.



NEXT ISSUE:
LOCAL CHILDREN & PARENTS REVEAL HOW BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS HAS CHANGED THEIR LIVES