The BBBS organization defined the meaning of one-to-one mentoring. Behind the BBBS name are many professionals who have developed, refined, and delivered this premier system to recruit and screen candidates, match Littles to Bigs, and support these relationships with skill and compassion.
The impact of the program is big. An independent impact study by Veteran research group, Private Public Ventures P/PV confirmed what we inherently knew: children are more likely to excel and make better choices with their lives when they have felt the quiet power of the match experience. P/PV research showed that children matched one-to-one with and adult mentor were:
- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 37% less likely to skip class
- More confident in their schoolwork performance
- Able to get along better with their families
Testimonials
Below are shortened testimonials we have received from our Bigs and Littles. Click on the links at the end of each testimonial to read the whole story.
Marcia Fischer:
Our family got involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters when my 17 yr. old son was matched with an 8 yr. old boy. Immediately, our whole family fell in love with him. The time we spent with our Little opened our eyes to the fact that not everyone had an easy time being just a kid. Today, our Little is 21 yrs. old. We see him occasionally now and we hope the relationship he had with our family will have a positive impact on what he does with his life.
CLICK HERE to read the FULL Testimonial from Marcia Fischer
Cristian Rubio:
I have known my Little Brother, Juan, since June 25th, 2009. I have seen many positive changes in him over the past two years. Juan now seems to have a better sense of future, he is more friendly and outgoing toward others, and best of all, he is proud of who he is. Together, Juan and I were recently recognized as “Match of the Year” and were asked to speak at Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 7th Annual Lobster Boil, which was a great honor and something we will never forget. We are very proud to be a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters and we look forward to continuing our journey together as a match in the program.
CLICK HERE to read the FULL Testimonial from Cristian Rubio
Kirsten Nyberg:
Elizabeth and I have been matched for about 3 years. Since we have been matched, I have watched her grow up and mature to become a young lady. Through the years, her ability to choose "the right" friends and to maintain those friendships has greatly improved. We always look forward to the next time we spend together. I'm so grateful that I could make a difference in her life and that we have had the opportunity to form this friendship.
CLICK HERE to read the FULL Testimonial from Kirsten Nyberg
Ben Calderon:
We were never bored! Over the many years of our match, I've had plenty of quality time to share with Giovanni. Being a Big Brother has taught me the importance of being patient and understanding with a child, but also to set rules and boundaries and adhere to them. Together, our willingness to learn, explore, and discover new things has also helped me realize that it isn't always the adults doing the teaching. We were matched on May 28th, 2003, and what stories we have collected over the years!! Two creative minds, an open road, and a little bit of time is a recipe for FUN, and that's what this program is all about! I'm so grateful to be a Big Brother, and to have such a fantastic Little Brother like Giovanni, whose smile says a thousand words!!!!
CLICK HERE to read the FULL Testimonial from Ben Calderon
Stacy Wimmer:
Just under six years ago when I started my match with Big Brothers Big Sisters I wasn't really sure what to expect. We made a real connection and our match quickly turned to more of a friendship than big/little. I'm excited to see what she will choose for her life. I went into this match thinking I could teach her something, but she taught me so much more. I think it's fabulous that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides an opportunity for the children to have another person to bounce ideas off of and get guidance from. It has enriched me in ways I hadn't expected and introduced me to someone I'm proud to have as my friend.
CLICK HERE to read the FULL Testimonial from Stacy Wimmer
