Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the premier mentoring organization in the U.S. with more than 500 agencies throughout the 50 states. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is about being a friend and bringing a little magic into your life and that of a child. Many of us had a special person who opened doors and broadened our horizons. As a Big, you can do the same for a child.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties is to develop confident, competent, and caring youth through professionally supported, one-on-one relationships with caring mentors.

Denison students assist BBBS with this mission in several ways.

Become a Big Sister or Brother! Community Based Matches

College students are matched with children who live in Licking County and are between 6 and 15 years old. Many of the children in the program come from single-parent households and benefit from positive role models. The volunteer screening process consists of an interview, background check, and training.

Matches should meet or have contact with one another at least twice a month. Once matched, Bigs and Littles can do an array of activities that are of interest to both. Littles enjoy participating in campus life and going to sporting events and plays. Bringing a Little to campus gives children a chance to experience college life, which can broaden their horizons and give them more tangible goals for the future. Bigs receive on-going support from agency personnel during their match.

Become a school based mentor! Lunch Buddies and Clem Reads

College students are matched one-on-one with an elementary school child. The volunteers then go to local elementary schools at the designated times, usually once a week, and meet with their Littles. All contact takes place on school grounds. With their Littles, they will help develop reading skills, tutor as needed, and be a friend to a child in need of a caring role model and mentor. Volunteers also go through a background check and interview process.

Contact:  Kristin Ferenc, Co-Chair 2009

                Mariah Bauman, Co-Chair 2009