January is National Mentoring Month, so we wanted to spotlight an organization that has helped thousands of kids succeed in life for over 100 years. With divorce and poverty on the rise in America, there couldn't be a better time for you to reach out and be a Big brother or Big Sister. Here are the details:

The Vision
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Vision is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities for all.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact.

Organization Overview
They have set out to serve one million children by the year 2010. Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves over 200,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in 5,000 communities across all 50 states
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.

Here is how to help

Being a Big is something anyone can do-the only requirements are a willingness to be a friend, to have fun, and to see the world (and yourself) through the eyes of a young person. Most Bigs are adults of any age, but we also have programs for high school and college students.

As a Big, you and your Little will do everyday activities like playing sports, seeing a movie, cooking, going over schoolwork, visiting a museum, washing the car, taking a walk, volunteering in their community, or just hanging out. And as in any friendship, it is the spontaneous, small moments of shared fun or discovery that you will remember forever. That is the magic a Big brings to the life of a child-and that a Little brings to the life of a Big.

A Big Brother or Big Sister can open a world of possibilities and opportunities for a young person simply by being a genuine friend. Our Bigs consistently say that they get even more out of their friendship than the Littles, and our Littles grow into adults who want to be involved themselves and help another child.

Go to BBBS.org to find an agency near you

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