Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois

For almost 40 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois (BBBSIL) has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As an affiliate of the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, BBBSIL makes meaningful and monitored matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and child (Littles) ages 6 through 18 in St. Clair, Monroe, Madison and Clinton counties in Illinois.

Our vision is that all children achieve success in life. We are focused on providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one to one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. We partner with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community and hold ourselves accountable for each child in our program achieving three goals: 1) higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships; 2) avoidance of risky behaviors and; 3) educational success.

Volunteer Bigs and youth Littles matched in the community program meet 10-12 hours a month for a minimum of one year doing activities together out in the community. Each youth Little (and parent of the Little) and all potential volunteer Bigs are interviewed and assessed for program fitness by trained BBBSIL staff. In addition, layered background checks and references are run on all potential Bigs to ensure safety. Both the Bigs and Littles receive match support to assist with relationship development, goal tracking and ensure safety every month in the first year, and every other month thereafter throughout the life of the match. Research based outcome evaluations are given to assess the strength of the match relationship and youth outcomes related to aspirations, self-confidence, relationships, avoidance of risk taking and educational success. On average community-based matches last between 2-3 years, with some matches lasting 10 years or more.