One of my favorite ways of volunteering.......
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State
Not Just a Good Cause. A Great Business Partner.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s leading youth mentoring organization that aims to reach local children who need a positive adult role model in their lives. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. Through the programs offered, children create long-term relationships that have a positive impact on their lives.
In 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was founded by Ernest Coulter, a court clerk from New York City. The Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors. The organization’s vision is to fulfill successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all. Children ages 6 through 18 have an opportunity to participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs across the country.
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers two programs focused on friendship, guidance, and companionship: a community-based and a school-based program. In both programs, a child (called a "little") is assigned a mentor (called a "big") based on similar interests and personalities. Mentoring is provided through a one-on-one basis; one volunteer to one child. Married couples and families have an opportunity to mentor a child together through the Couples and Family Match programs.
In the community-based program, "bigs" take their "littles" to participate in activities in the community. Activities can include a wide variety of events based on the "big/little’s" interest. "Bigs" are encouraged to take their "little" to inexpensive events because the program is focused on building friendships. Volunteers are asked to spend at least 3 to 4 hours with their child at least two times a month.
The school-based mentoring program is based at local public schools. In this program, "bigs" and "littles" work together on homework and reading. "Bigs" meet with their "littles" during the student’s lunch period or a non-essential class at least once a week.
You may be asking yourself, what can my business do to help? Volunteerism has proven to be a smart business strategy for many companies. Volunteerism strengthens the community, increases employee engagement and performance, improves the public image, and provides partnership opportunities.
"Businesses who allow their employees to volunteer see greater productivity and a better work attitude from their employees," Patti Price, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State, said. "The employee feels the employer is behind their volunteer efforts and supports them."
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State has been serving children in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio since 1974. In West Virginia, the organization serves children in Cabell and Wayne counties. The organization was founded through the initiative of a small group of local citizens concerned with children in single-parent homes. Through the community-based and school-based programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State serves approximately 150 children each year.
"Volunteerism comes and goes with the economy," Price said. "When the country is not doing well economically, Big Brother Big Sisters finds itself in need of volunteers. Often people are too worried about their own well-being to volunteer."
Through the school-based program, companies can help by giving their employees one hour per week of time off to mentor a child. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff make the program as convenient as possible for companies who are willing to make the commitment.
In West Virginia, Big Brothers Big Sisters has offices in Charleston, Huntington, Martinsburg, Morgantown and Wheeling. If you are interested in becoming a big brother or big sister please consider contacting an office near you! There is an ongoing need with children always waiting on the waiting list.
Find a location near you: Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central West VirginiaServing Kanawha and Putnam Counties
325 Sixth Avenue, Suite 101; South Charleston, WV 25303
304-146-7900
www.littlemomentsbigmagic.com
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri State
Serving Cabell and Wayne Counties
501 5th Ave. Suite 3; Huntington, WV 25701
304-522-2191
pprice@bbbstristate.org
www.bbbstristate.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Eastern PanhandleServing Berkley, Morgan and Jefferson
117 N. Queen Street; Martinsburg, WV 25401 304-263-5522
bbbswv@yahoo.com
www.bbbswv.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central West Virginia
Serving Harrison, Marion, Monongalia & Preston Counties
500 Mylan Park, Suite 2; Morgantown, WV 26501
304-983-2383 x 104
bigs4kids@bbbs-ncwv.org
www.bbbs-ncwv.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upper Ohio Valley
Serving Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties
3539 Jacob Street; Wheeling, WV 26003
304-232-0520
Skemp@bbbsupperohiovalley.org
