Big Brothers Big Sisters is the leader in one-to-one youth mentoring. As the nation’s oldest and largest mentoring organization, we pride ourselves in the ability to create positive one-to-one matches that are based on interests and needs.
Children in our program come from diverse families but they all have one thing in common, they want or need a positive mentor. While the majority of our children are considered to be at risk, it’s important to know that we serve many children who just need another positive adult role model in their life.
Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about.
Go to the library, check out a book and read together or buy a comic book and draw your favorite character. Play a board game, visit a local park or go on a nature walk.
You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock measures the impact of services by administering a nationally accepted pre- and post-test known as the Youth Outcomes Survey. This survey shows us that our mentoring programs result in proven, positive short-term and long-term outcomes for youth in three main areas: educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, and increased social and emotional well-being.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lubbock is in need of mentors, particularly male mentors. On average there are 100 children on the waiting list. Most of these children have already gone through the enrollment process and are just waiting for their Big Brother or Big Sister.
In addition, monetary support is a great need. It costs between $1,200 and $1,500 to manage and sustain match support services for one full year, per match. With your help we can ensure that our program remains free to families and volunteers. Therefore, donations of any size are greatly appreciated.
Once you are matched with a child, a Match Support Specialist will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling sensitive or challenging situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
The quality of the time you invest is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the friendship is to help the child see the world through a different lens so you can inspire them to become something they never thought possible. Should you decide to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning.
BBBS of Lubbock will host at-least 1 free event per month for our matches. Also, as a Big, you may occasionally receive notices for free tickets to local cultural and sports activities.