Organization Overview

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest provider of one-to-one youth mentoring services in the United States.  We bring caring adults into the lives of children. These quality relationships are built on friendship and trust, and are proven to be a significant positive influence in the life of the child, and the volunteer.

Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring makes a huge difference for the youth it serves.  Research consistently demonstrates that Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring helps at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face.  The most compelling evidence was found by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV),¹  showing that Little Brothers and Little Sisters are: 

• 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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was selected by Forbes Magazine as one of its top ten charities, making the publication’s “gold star” list of charities which it believes are worthy of donor consideration, in its annual survey of 200 large charities. 

The magazine surveyed 200 non-profits and rated them on how efficiently they collect and distribute dollars.  Forbes looked at three categories:  charitable commitment; fundraising efficiency, and donor dependency.

Big Brothers Big Sisters board members at the Grundy County United Way 60th anniversary celebration.  L to R: Carroll Klotz, Angela Ryan, and Annette Leck

¹Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., and Resch, N.L.  (1995) Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures