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 consistent one-to-one friendship and is supported by a staff of trained professionals 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.
A study conducted in 2009 by Harris Interactive® on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters finds adults mentored as children through Big Brothers Big Sisters are more likely than peers with similar backgrounds but who were not involved in the program to have a four-year college degree and incomes of $75,000 or more. They also report strong relationships with their spouses, children and friends.
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.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay offers two main programs*:
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.
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 the names and locations of our partner schools, click here.
*Programs vary by community. For more information on the programs available near your home or place of employment,
please submit a zip code and receive region specific information on the either the Volunteer or Refer a Child pages. For more information and answers to the most 'frequently asked questions' about Big Brothers Big Sisters, please visit our Volunteer FAQ and Refer a Child FAQ pages.