Many ingredients go into making the “magic” happen for the children involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County. There are generous contributions we depend on for support. There’s the expertise of our professional staff and the efforts of our Board of Directors. But most of all, there is the dedication of our Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Big Brothers Big Sisters are not super heroes. They are caring individuals willing to spend a few hours each week with a child. Our volunteers come from every background, race, religion and ethnicity. We have volunteers that are high school or college students, out in the working world and retirees. Our volunteers have varied interests. Whether it’s sports, crafts, cooking or programming a computer, we have a Little Brother or Sister that may share this interest or is looking to open their eyes to some of life’s new experiences.
Volunteering is Fun & Rewarding!
Being a "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things you will ever do. You and your “Little” will create a number of wonderful memories sharing activities you both enjoy. It’s rewarding to know that the time you volunteer, can have a BIG impact in the life of your Little.
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Volunteering Options:
We realize that every volunteer’s life and commitments are different. That is why we offer two options for getting involved as a Big Brother or Big Sister:
| Community-Based Mentoring - You can make a BIG difference by sharing time with a child doing things together in our community. This opportunity is flexible since you & your Little set your own schedule. We ask that you get together 2-3 times a month for a few hours each time. This could be an afternoon, evening or weekends. You and yourLittle decide. The agency will provide a Case Manager to make all of the introductions and continue to keep in touch during your friendship to help your relationship grow. We also offer a number of group activities and freebies, like tickets to local events, for you & your Little to enjoy! Although age does not matter in friendship (our oldest Big is 83!), you must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Community-Based Program. |
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| Site-Based Mentoring Program - In less than 2 hours a week, you could be making a BIG difference and having a blast in our Site-Based Mentoring Program. Bigs in this program meet their Little at an assigned site, on a set day, once a week. Our Site-Based programs run Monday-Thursday and we have several different locations you can select from to make volunteering convenient for you. While at the site, you and your Little will enjoy playing games, making crafts, working on homework or simply talking about your lives. A BBBS Site-Coordinator is present at every visit to lend support and provide some awesome planned activities. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age for the Site-Based Program and must have completed at least the tenth grade. This is an excellent opportunity for the upper classmen in high school, college students, retirees and everyone in between. However, this program is also very popular with college students, busy adults and retirees! |
Volunteering is For You!
You've been thinking about getting involved. Now that you know how easy it is and the importance of volunteering, Why not apply to be a Big today?
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