Community-based program

In the community-based program, Big Brother, Big Sister, and Big Couple volunteers provide children and youth -- our "Littles" -- individualized time and attention on a regular basis, typically 2-4 times a month, for 2-3 hours. 

During weekly or bi-weekly outings, filled with conversations and shared activities, they develop a relationship that helps youth manage the every day challenges that are part of growing up.  While spending time with their Big, children gain new skills, explore new interests, and expand their experience base beyond their family and neighborhood.

Over the course of time, children gain confidence in themselves, acquire new skills and competencies, and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others – all tasks that are a part of developing healthy maturity. Volunteers experience a sense of discovery and enjoyment as they see the world of possibility open up through the child’s eyes. An evaluation tool, The Program Outcome Evaluation (POE) instrument, demonstrates positive outcomes for children in the program.

This program has served over a thousand boys and girls in Will and Grundy Counties since the founding of the organization in 1972.