Our programs are transformational. By matching children with adult mentors in one-to-one relationships, we transform the life of a child (Little) and the life of an adult (Big). By transforming Bigs and Littles, we also transform the families of the Bigs and Littles, schools, neighborhoods, and our communities.
Simple acts of mentoring yield powerful results. In fact, independent studies have confirmed that, in contrast to their non-mentored peers, Little Brothers and Little Sisters:
Less likely to hit someone
Felt better about themselves
Got along better with their peers
Less likely to begin using illegal drugs
Less likely to skip school
Have confidence in their abilities
Learned the importance of helping others
Improved school participation and behavior
Changed perspective on what they thought possible in life
Increased their self-confidence
Had a better sense of the future
Improved their academic performance
- Decreased their use of violence – 30% were less likely to hit someone
- Improved relationships with peers, adults, and parent(s) – 37% became more trusting of their parent or guardian, and 35% get along better with their peers
- Resisted substance abuse – 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- Improved school attendance – 52% were less likely to skip school
Additionally, Littles in our program continue to benefit from their participation into adulthood. Former Littles are happier, healthier, and more accomplished than their non-mentored peers. According to a study on adult Littles:
- 90% said their Big made them feel better about themselves
- 85% said their Big influenced them to have confidence in their abilities
- 84% learned the importance of helping others as a result of participating in the program
- 81% said their Big changed their perspective on what they thought possible in life
We are proud of the fact that the efforts of our “BIG” volunteers are making a difference. According to our recent survey findings:
- 94% of our children increased their self-confidence
- 92% improved school participation and behavior
- 92% had a better sense of the future
- 80% improved their academic performance