They Have the Potential To Change the World. Will You Stand With Them?
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a national organization working in your community to clear the path to a youth’s biggest possible future. Joining parent and guardians with our staff, we match each youth with a mentor to foster a friendship built on trust, learning and growth. Together, we are Defenders of Potential!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Nearly everyone can remember a special person from their childhood that touched their lives forever. As a Big, you can do just that and be a Defender of Potential.
Our Regional chapter serves youth in Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Union and Wyoming counties.
Potential is Everywhere
We do not need to create potential, we just need to defend it. Youth in our community are waiting for Bigs who will stand with them and defend their potential.
Big Brothers Big Sisters exists to create positive change in our community by matching youth with Bigs to build powerful friendships. There are lots of ways to support us in this mission — like participating in events, supporting our fundraising efforts — or becoming a Big.
Youths Have The Potential To Change The World
Littles are youths who need friendship, advice, guidance and fun. They are all different yet they all have one thing in common: a need for a consistent caring adult friend and positive role model.
Who Are Our Youth
Youth are matched between the ages of 7 to 14 years old and face some type of adversity in life. The majority of our Littles are self-referrals, meaning the guardian calls the office and requests service. The remainder the youth are referred by social service agencies, schools, recruitment or by other professionals in our community.
Matches are made based on personality, geographic location, interests, and the needs of the youth to reach set goals.
Be a Defender
The time commitment to being a Big varies, but generally, we ask that Bigs see their Littles at least 1 hour a week and that they commit to being a Big for at least one year.
Think about what you do with your friends: Go to the movies. Play games. Go out to eat. Just hang out. It’s the same for matches!
You are not in this alone. Your Program Specialist and a network of Bigs will always be there with resources, opportunities and support.
Be A Big. We Need You.
With You, Littles Are:
46% less likely to use illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin using alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
33% less likely to hit someone
75% of matched Littles graduate high school
5 Steps To Become A Big
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania as we help defend every child’s chance to reach their potential to do big, incredible things. Sign up to become a Big. Make an impact. And join our community of bright children and caring adults just like you.
Apply — To apply to be a Big, visit bbbsnepa.org and a Program Specialist will contact you for an orientation to the program. Bigs needs to be at least 16 years old and a junior in high school, have a valid driver’s license, and willing to commit a minimum of one year to your match.
Home Interview — A BBBS Program Specialist will schedule an in-home interview to help us understand more about you and how you can best support a Little in your community, while ensuring your home provides a safe environment.
Training — BBBS provides online trainings to educate and prepare you to begin a successful match relationship with your Little.
Match Consideration — BBBS carefully considers the interests and strengths of potential matches to ensure a successful relationship.
Meeting Your Little — After a Big and Little have agreed to the match, you will have your first meeting along with the guardian and your Program Specialist. This will begin your journey as a Defender of Potential!
FAQs
Who are the Bigs in the Program?
Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person in your community. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit.
What kind of support can I expect from Big Brothers Big Sisters once I get matched?
Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
Will I become a replacement parent?
No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a Big to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in, someone to provide a little extra support, someone like you to be a Defender of Potential!
If you want to refer a child to become a Little, click on this link to the Big Brother Big Sister of Northeastern Pennsylvania.