Who We Are
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that helps match caring mentors with children who need the friendship of a special adult in their lives. Children are referred to the agency by their parents, schools, or other social service agencies. Our professional staff interviews each child and parent, visits the home, and assesses individual needs. Carefully screened volunteers provide Littles with one-on-one time and attention in their communities and schools. By providing each child with a mentor and friend, Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to provide children with the skills they need to reach their full potential.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Douglas County is part of Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, one of the largest affiliates of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation's oldest and largest youth mentoring organization and celebrates 118 years of service in 2022.
Community-Based Program
Did you know we have different types of Bigs? Bigs must be 18 years or older and complete a screening process before being matched to a Little. The initial commitment is for one year. Not just an invidual can be a Big but couples & families too!
Big Couple
With this opportunity, a Little is matched with a couple to share and participate in different activities.
Big Family
For volunteers with families of their own, we offer this opportunity to bring your type of family fun into the life of a Little. You probably already have lots of family activities and outings planned, so this is quite simple-just take along your Little.
Bigs in Schools Program
The Bigs in Schools program is called a "site based" program because it only takes place at a specific location, usually one of the Lawrence area schools. Bigs are matched with a Little who attends the school. Matches commonly meet during the school lunch hour, but some matches meet at other times during the day, but always at the school. Matches only meet during the school year and when school is in session. This is a good program for volunteers who would like to participate but have limited time availability.
What We Do
Our Mission
Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Our Vision
All children achieve success in life.
Why is this important?
Mentoring WORKS! Nationwide studies over the past fifty-five years report that children matched to a Big Brother or Big Sister are more cooperative at home, perform better at school and make better decisions within their peer group. Youth involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are:
- 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely than their peers to start drinking
- 33% less likely than their peers to behave violently
- 52% less likely to skip school
Details
| (785) 843-7359 | |
| jjack@kansasbigs.org | |
| Jeffry L. Jack | |
| Area Director | |
| http://douglas.kansasbigs.org |
