For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been recognized as one of the most effective youth development programs in the United States. Independent research shows that a Little Brother or Little Sister (a.k.a. a “Little”) who is matched for one year or more in a one-to-one friendship is more likely to graduate from high school, to attend college, and to show more respect to adults. Littles are also more likely to avoid alcohol, drugs and violence. When compared with their peers, Little Brothers and Sisters are:
- 52% less likely to skip a day of school
- 33% less likely to engage in violence with their peers
- 46% less likely to start using drugs
- 27% less likely to start drinking
- more trusting of parents and other adults, and less likely to lie to them.
-Public Private Ventures (P/PV) Study, 1995
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest mentoring organization in the country, serving young people nationwide—including here in the Massachusetts Bay area. If you’re looking for a way to contribute to your community, whether as a volunteer, a donor or even by joining our staff, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of the many different ways that you can get involved:
*Volunteer options vary by community. For more information on the volunteer options available near your home or place of employment, click here to submit
a zip code and receive region specific information.
Community Based Mentoring Programs:
Our core program matches a volunteer Big Brother or Sister with a child who could benefit from a one-to-one relationship with a caring adult. Bigs and Littles meet a few times per month, for a couple of hours each time, at places and times convenient to both. The two share similar interests, and spend their time together engaged in activities such as playing catch, watching movies, touring museums, cheering on the local sports teams or simply hanging out.
For more information about becoming a Community-Based “Big,” click here.
For more information about referring a child to the Community-Based program, click here.
School Based Mentoring Programs:
Volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters matched in our school-based program meet their Little Brothers or Sisters at school, a few times a month over the course of the academic year. During lunch or after school, Bigs and Littles play on the playground, swap stories, work on homework, or simply sit and talk, among other activities. Throughout the summer months, school-based matches are encouraged to keep in touch via letters and e-mails.
For more information about becoming a School-Based “Big,” click here.
For more information about referring a child to the School-Based Mentoring program, click here.
Attleboro
Intensive After School Program:
The Intensive After School Program is specifically designed for Attleboro youth ages 12-16, to provide holistic, comprehensive and quality focused programming. The program meets for 90 minutes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, for 12 weeks. An experienced caseworker will lead a Teen Choices curriculum, focusing on healthy relationships, decision-making, conflict resolution, cultural competency and emotional expression. Sensata employees serve as Bigs to youth enrolled in the program one day per week for 12 weeks at the corporate site. Youth are transported to the program and enjoy a variety of team-building skills, games and vocational exploration. Volunteers include Sensata employees and those interested in teaching/co-facilitating.
Martha's Vineyard
Partnership to Achieve Lifelong Success (PALS) Program:
Operating since 2001 on Martha's Vineyard, PALS is an in-school program. Before, during or after school, matches can meet within the school grounds to do homework, play games or just hang out. We match high-school students with elementary children for a unique relationship. Community members are also welcome to apply to meet with their Little in-school.
Applicants are screened and interviewed, and matched according to town. This match requires creativity and independence, similar to the core program. However, PALS allows for students to receive credit for community service time. These matches usually keep in contact, even after the high-school student has graduated.
Nantucket
Breakfast Buddies:
The before-school Breakfast Buddies program serves elementary-aged children whose parents work before the start of the school day; children who qualify for the federally-funded free and reduced meal program also participate. High-school seniors volunteer as mentors two mornings a week—Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday—and play games, read stories, color, or assist the younger kids with their school projects.
Life Choices:
In collaboration with Big Sister of Greater Boston and Nantucket AIDS Network (NAN), the Life Choices program creates a safe space for middle-school girls to openly explore the unique choices and challenges they face. Facilitated by BBBS and NAN directors, Life Choices groups meet once a week for 90 minutes and run for approximately 15 weeks.
There are a number of great kids waiting to be matched in each of the programs mentioned above. You can also get involved in other ways—from referring a child, to referring a partner organization, donating money and event tickets, or attending one of our fundraising events.
Check out the Get Involved section for more information. You can also Contact Us directly, and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.