Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Region

CHANGING PERSPECTIVES. CHANGING LIVES.

For more than 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), in communities across Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster and Perry Counties. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

Vision: All youth achieve their full potential.

Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Accountability: by partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:

• Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
• Avoidance of risky behaviors
• Educational success

Our Programs Start Something

Here’s the proof. Research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. By participating in our 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.

We’re always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. And, right now is no different. Big Brothers are in high demand. So, Start Something. For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their lives. And sometimes it’s as simple as playing video games, going to a museum, or just hanging out together.

OPTIONS FOR MENTORS  Community Based HOW A BIG BECOMES A BIG—AND A LITTLE, A LITTLE. Before we make a match, we do our homework. After someone expresses an interest in becoming a Big, they submit to a background check and careful interview process. Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities and preferences. And we provide full support from the start, so matches can grow into lasting, impactful friendships.

 Each match is unique. Getting together doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activity—just a few hours every month doing things the Little and Big already enjoy. For example: Playing catch Reading books Going to a museum Providing advice and inspiration Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends. Others get together with their Littles in the evenings. Each match develops a schedule that works for them. Couples/ Family Match “How can my significant other and I Start Something?” Couples or entire families are matched with one child. Each member goes through the interview and clearance process and can be involved with the child individually or as a whole group. Most couples and families are matched with Little Brothers School-Based Mentoring It may sound obvious, but sometimes the best place to help a child realize their potential is at school. Kids enjoy having their Bigs meet with them there, whether it’s in the classroom or on the playground. And parents know what a positive impact it makes.