Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you’ll ever do. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering him or her to achieve their highest potential. We match Bigs and Littles based off of similar interests, so you and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do!
Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy it even more with your Little—and you’ll be making a life-changing impact. You can get involved in either the Community-Based or Site-Based program!
Community-Based
Our traditional mentoring program allows the Big and Little to spend time together at least twice a month for a few hours at a time. Community-Based matches engage in activities that they both enjoy, such as going out for ice cream, attending local sporting events, baking cookies, and going to the zoo. Right now we are encouraging matches to maintain social distance while spending time together, choose outdoor activities whenever possible, and connect virtually!
Site-Based "Lunch Buddies"
Our Site-Based mentoring program, also known as “Lunch Buddies” allows the Big and the Little to see each other during the child’s lunchtime. This is a very easy way for many volunteers to get their feet wet, as the time commitment is minimal (1/2 hour each week). Matches spend the time chatting, working on homework, or playing games.*
*This Fall, matches will not be meeting in-person for the Lunch Buddies program. Virtual programming is coming soon.
What do we achieve?
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children achieve success in school, avoid risky behaviors such as getting into fights and trying drugs and alcohol, and improve their self-confidence. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters by regularly measuring our impact.
Who do we serve?
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children between 5 and 18 years of age in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Knox, and Fulton counties. Our network of volunteers, donors, and supporters comes from all walks of life.
What do we do?
We create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Please call our office at 309.637.1771 or email Hannah Daly (h.daly@hoibbbs.org) to get started today!
