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Little steps lead to a BIG impact.

Enroll your child today

When people think of mentoring programs, they think of Big Brothers Big Sisters. As an established youth organization for more than 100 years nationally and more than 45 years in our community, we’ve worked to develop youth mentoring programs that work. Our experienced approach to recruiting, screening, matching, and supporting our mentoring relationships has resulted in thousands of lasting relationships that helped change the lives of young people.

Why Enroll Your Child in Big Brothers Big Sisters?
As a parent, you want the best for your child—a future full of opportunities, confidence, and success. That’s where Big Brothers Big Sisters comes in. Our programs are designed to provide your child with the extra support, encouragement, and guidance they need to thrive.

Here’s why enrolling your child in our programs is a great decision:

Bigs are Positive Role Models:
Every child needs someone they can look up to, someone who believes in them and can offer guidance. Our mentors, or “Bigs,” are carefully screened and trained to be positive, consistent influences in your child’s life. They help build self-esteem, encourage positive choices, and inspire your child to reach their full potential.
One on One with a Trusted Adult:
In a world where children can often feel lost in the crowd, our one-to-one mentoring approach ensures your child receives the individual attention they deserve. This personalized focus helps your child develop stronger social skills, better emotional regulation, and a greater sense of belonging.
Academic Support:
While a Big is not a tutor, many of our mentors are excited to offer academic guidance, helping your child stay on track with their studies and set educational goals. A mentor can provide the extra motivation and accountability your child needs to succeed in school.
A Safe and Supportive Environment:
We understand the importance of safety. Our programs are designed to provide a secure, nurturing environment where your child can express themselves freely, ask questions, and learn from a trusted adult.
Long-Term Benefits:
The impact of mentoring goes far beyond childhood. Studies show that children who have mentors are more likely to graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and avoid risky behaviors. The relationship your child forms with their mentor can have lasting positive effects on their future.
Building Confidence and Resilience:
Our mentors help children navigate life’s challenges, teaching them how to cope with adversity and build resilience. With a mentor’s support, your child will gain the confidence to face obstacles and pursue their dreams.
Fun and Enriching Experiences:
Mentoring isn’t just about guidance; it’s about creating joyful, meaningful experiences. From exploring new hobbies to participating in community events, your child will have the chance to enjoy activities that broaden their horizons and build lasting memories.

Join Us in Shaping Your Child’s Future
Enrolling your child in Big Brothers Big Sisters is a step toward ensuring they have the support they need to succeed in life. Together, we can help your child unlock their potential, build strong relationships, and create a brighter future.


Note: The guardian of the youth must complete and sign the application.
Legal guardian: Apply now
If you are NOT the Legal Guardian of a child and believe they would benefit from having a mentor, click the Refer A Child Button below.
Refer a child
A promotional image highlighting the reasons to enroll a child in the program.

understanding our waiting list

Your Child's Journey to a Lasting Mentorship

We understand you're eager to start your child's mentoring journey. While our waiting list isn't traditional, we prioritize creating meaningful matches that stand the test of time.

What We Consider:
Location:
We ensure that mentors and mentees live or work within a reasonable distance to facilitate regular, sustainable visits.
Age Preference: We match mentors with children whose ages align with their comfort level and experience.
Shared Interests: We strive to connect mentors and mentees who share common hobbies or passions to build a strong foundation for friendship.

Stay Connected!
To keep your child's application active, please notify us of any changes to your contact information (address, phone number, and email). This ensures we can reach out to schedule an important intake interview.

Questions?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to call our office at 574-830-5013.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We're committed to finding the perfect match for your child!


safety is our highest priority

We strive to achieve the highest quality possible in matching youth with caring volunteer Bigs, and in providing ongoing professional support services to our Little's, their parents, and volunteers.

To help ensure youth safety, Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence requires that each volunteer must complete a thorough screening process that includes an application, interview with a trained professional BBBS Staff member, and an extensive background check.

Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides youth safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child’s Big. Our staff and your child’s Big, with your support, are committed to the healthy growth and development of your youth.

Parents are partners

Parents and guardians play an important role in the match. As a parent or legal guardian:

  • You will approve all match activities and support your child's involvement in activities.
  • You have regular check-ins with your BBBS Match Support Specialist about your child's safety, happiness, progress and milestones in the match relationship.
  • You ask your child about the match meetings and report any concerns to agency staff.
  • You participate in training on youth safety during the enrollment process.

Make a Difference Today

When you support Big Brothers Big Sisters, you positively impact the young people in your community.