Programs
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks
There are many ways to support our mission.
You can make an impact by becoming a Big, making a financial investment, or an in-kind donation.
Together, We are Defenders of Potential.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks
We seek to change the lives of children and families facing adversity. Our unique brand of mentoring has a BIG impact in OUR community.
What We Achieve
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children and young people achieve success in school, helps them avoid risky behaviors, and helps them improve their self-confidence. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters by regularly measuring our impact.
Who We Serve
Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives of children facing adversity between 5 and 18+ years of age. Our network of volunteers, donors and supporters have been supporting youth in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties since 1975.
What We Do
Big Brothers Big Sisters develops positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Together we are changing lives for the better, forever. Our unique brand of mentoring has a BIG impact in OUR community
COMMUNITY
The Big Brothers Big Sisters COMMUNITY-Based Mentoring Program matches adult volunteers (“Bigs“) with children facing adversity in the community (“Littles“).
Once matched, the volunteers and child meet for a couple of hours, twice a month, doing things they both enjoy together.
Many relationships between Bigs and Littles are part of our Community-based programs.
Community-based mentoring relationships involve one-on-one outings and activities, doing things the Big and Little enjoy together, like:
- Taking a walk in the park
- Going to museum
- Going to an event hosted by the local BBBS affiliate
- Listening to music
- Hanging out and talking
Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends. Others get together with their Littles on weekday evenings. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them.
ROLE MODELS MAKE AN IMPACT
Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol.
Students who are successful in school are far less likely to drop out of school, abuse drugs, or commit crimes.
SCHOOL
The Big Brothers Big Sisters SCHOOL-Based Mentoring Program matches local high school students (“Bigs“) with school children in our local area schools (“Littles“).
Once matched, the volunteer student and child spend time together at school after their classes participating in various activities together.
It may seam obvious, but one of the best places to help a child realize their potential is at school.
Kids enjoy having their Bigs meet with them there, whether it’s in the classroom or on the playground. And parents know what a positive impact it makes.
Our school programs combine the proven effectiveness of our community mentoring program with the convenience of a single meeting location. Children and volunteers meet after school, during the academic year at regularly scheduled days and times. A key feature of our school programs is that high school students volunteer as Bigs, giving them a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of their Littles.
We currently have programs at Argyle, Hudson Falls, Fort Ann, Queensbury, South Glens Falls and Glens Falls City School District sites.
IT’S TEACHER-APPROVED
Some of the biggest supporters of our School-Based Mentoring program are teachers. They see students return from their time with their Big filled with confidence, smiling, ready to learn and eager to succeed.
LEARNING ABOUT LIFE
Although it takes place at schools, our School-Based Mentoring program isn’t limited to the classroom.
Of course, some Littles do talk with their Bigs about class, or do homework, or read together, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground. At the end of the day, it’s really all about starting a friendship, providing guidance and inspiring them to reach their potential.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we have tremendous confidence in our ability to impact children and put them on the right path. But it means even more when an outside study comes to the same conclusion.
Click below to learn more about our impact in our local community
Community Resources
