Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities
Primary Cause
Youth Development
Secondary Cause
Human Services
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities' mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The core of everything that Big Brothers Big Sisters does is creating and supporting positive relationships between youth (Little) and volunteer mentors (Bigs). Youth are matched with mentors when they are between the ages of 8 and 12 and are supported until they graduate from high school, as long as the relationship remains safe and positive. Annually over 2,200 youth are served. Our programs are designed with the goal of helping children develop the following three positive assets: educational success, avoidance/reduction of risk behaviors, and socio-emotional competency. By taking a positive youth development approach, Big Brothers Big Sisters helps youth recognize and enhance their skills and personality traits during their paths to adulthood.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities
When a Little turns twelve, activities become more future-focused activities, whether that means deciding on a possible career, leaving for college, or family planning. The Education & Enrichment Department of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities is there to help those Littles make informed, fiscally responsible, and healthy decisions. But, up until 2015, once a Little graduated from High School, the support that he or she once received from a Big or from the E&E team officially came to an end. That meant the Little was left to figure the rest out for him or herself.
That’s why a new role was created in 2015; the College & Career Retention Associate, a position that supports Littles post age 18 after their match closes. This role is always at the ready to deploy finely curated lists of resources to keep Littles happily in school or at their job, so we not only help gets get a job or get into college, we also help them stay there.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities
When Kristine and Matt got married, they were already well-versed in giving back to their community. Both held positions on nonprofits boards and foundations, but felt as though they wanted to give back on a more personal level. Through BBBS they discovered, much to their surprise, that mentoring as a Big Couple was an option! Since both Kristine and Matt lead busy lives, this was a fabulous opportunity to spend time together, all while making the difference in a child’s life. Soon, they were matched with Quincy, a sweet eight-year-old boy, who lives with his sister and is taken care of by his great grandmother. Their relationship grew steadily as the three got to know each other, and as time went on, trust was built and a mutually beneficial friendship was formed.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities
Right now, kids in the Twin Cities are waiting for mentors. One of them is waiting for you.
As a Big Brother or a Big Sister, you can be a trusted friend to a child, and you will create memories that last a lifetime. It will be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you ever do.
You have the opportunity to help shape a child's future, by empowering them to achieve. And the best part is, it's actually a lot of fun. Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just hang out and talk. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you'll enjoy them even more with your Little - and you'll be making a life-changing impact.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities
Suggested Donations
Funding Needs
Donating online is the fastest, easiest way to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission and help a child. Your financial support allows us to keep doing what we do: empowering kids in your community to achieve their potential. So start a child on their way to becoming an engineer or an artist.
All contributions will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities programs and mission to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities