Could your little one use a Big?

It all starts with the right role models. And Big Brothers Big Sisters is the place to start a relationship with one. For over 100 years, due in large part to private donations, we’ve been able to recruit, screen, match, and support mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people across the country.

✓ Is your child at least six years old?
✓ Is your child interested in having a mentor?
✓ Do you live in Bradford, Sullivan or Tioga Cty, PA OR Broome or Tioga Cty, NY and will you be here for at least one year?
✓ Will you, the parent or guardian, partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters staff and a mentor so that the mentoring relationship can be as strong, safe, and successful as possible?
If you answer "YES" to all of these questions, read on!
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We need YOU. 

You know what’s best for your child. So we’ll need your help from the start, providing information about your child’s strengths and needs, and ultimately approving the Big Brother or Big Sister match. But your role doesn’t end there. 
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To ensure a safe and successful mentoring relationship, a BBBS match requires a partnership between the agency and your family.  Enrolling your child means you agree to:
1. Regular phone or in-person contact with the BBBS Match Specialist for the match duration; every 1-3 months, depending on the program.
2. Support your child in communicating with the Match Specialist. Help them return phone calls if a message is left.
3. Talk to your child regularly about their activities with their "Big".
4. Contact your Match Specialist when concerns arise, contact information changes, or to share successes.

Safety From the Beginning. ​

Big Brothers Big Sisters makes child safety our priority. We have zero tolerance for abuse or exploitation of any kind. BBBS has designed our child protection systems in collaboration with experts including the Centers for Disease Control, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Nonprofit Risk-Management Center.

Your child's safety is extremely important to us.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained match coordinator. 

You will feel the impact. 

A study for Big Brothers Big Sisters found that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
✓ are more confident
✓ are more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol
✓ do better in school
✓ get along better with their family and friends
✓ feel better about themselves*

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Beginning March 15, 2023, we are unable to accept applications for youth aged 15 years and older. We are very sorry for any disappointment this may cause.
If you have unmet needs please consult your county's social services website.
And/or feel free to call and speak with a BBBS staff person who may be able to direct you to helpful resources, at 570-265-3009
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PARENTS/GUARDIANS: PLEASE READ THE ABOVE SECTION BEFORE CLICKING 'Enroll A Child' BELOW!

ENROLL A CHILD NOW