Member Profile: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Every kid deserves the opportunity to dream, but many young people are weighed down by economic, educational, and social difficulties in their surroundings.
Since 1970, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) shows up for kids in our community – creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring friendships that help them pursue their dreams. By building up a support system with parents, mentors, and community partners, young people feel empowered to achieve their biggest possible futures.
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCI serves over 1,100 youth annually ages 8-18 in Johnson, Hamilton, and Marion counties. We believe that inherent in every young person is the potential to thrive, and we partner with parents/caregivers, volunteers, schools and the donors in our community to help youth achieve:
- Higher aspiration, greater confidence, and better relationships;
- Educational success; and
- Avoidance of risky behaviors.
With more than 1,000 young people referred and waiting to be matched with a mentor in central Indiana, the demand for more mentors is high. To be a Big, you must be 19 years or older, go through an enrollment process, be able to meet with your Little four to six hours per month for one year, and live or commute near Marion, Hamilton, or Johnson County.
You don’t need to have a specific title, a degree, or any special qualifications other than being compassionate, patient, and affirming. Because just like mentoring itself, a kid will never ask that you be perfect, only that you be present.
To learn more about opportunities to volunteer or engage further with BBBSCI, visit bebigforkids.org, contact us directly at volunteer@bbbsci.org, or join one of our virtual info sessions about being a Big here.