WHO WE ARE: Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationally acclaimed mentoring program with a proven record of success. For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been America's preeminent national youth-serving organization. In 1996, a group of concerned citizens from Ouachita Parish began an effort to bring the program to Northeast Louisiana. The following year, this community group asked the Wellspring to undertake the development and implementation of the BBBS program. That same year, the Wellspring Board of Directors voted unanimously to become home of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana. Today, services are provided in Ouachita, Morehouse, Franklin, Richland, and Lincoln Parishes.
WHAT WE DO: The program targets children ages six to eighteen. Volunteers, better known as "Bigs," spend a few hours a month for at least a year with their Littles. Some pairs meet on campus once a week at the Little's school. Others meet at various locations in the community. The Big's role is not to become a surrogate parent or babysitter, but a friend. Activities are those that any friends might share--watching movies, bicycling in the park, sitting and talking, or even running errands. The focus is not on spending money, but on spending time, a much more valuable gift to a child. One volunteer said, "Some of our best times are just talking while we're in the car."
OUR MISSION: The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Louisiana is to create opportunities for children and youth to have professionally supported one-to-one relationships with caring adults
WHY MENTORING? Research indicates that Little Brothers and Little Sisters who participated in BBBS of Northeast LA in 2011 achieved these exciting outcomes:
67.9% of children participating inBBBS demonstrated improved self confidence.
55.7% improved classroom participation, preparedness, behavior and attitude.
66.7% improved relationships with peers and adults.
80.5% had no unexcused absences.
96.3% had no expulsions, suspensions, or disciplinary actions.
Scroll to the blue tab above labeled Big Bros - Big Sisters for links to more information about BBBS, mentoring, how you can help, and much more!
