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Be a part of something big…

“Having a Big Sister is the best thing that can happen in your life. When I grow up I want to be a Big Sister too.” -Little Sister

“I feel like the luckiest person in the world having my Little.” -Big Sister

Are you into fun things like music, books, movies, sports, pets, cooking, art, games, etc.?

How about changing a life while having fun?

Do kids need more positive role models?

Did you need help when you were a kid?

Do you have a little time, once a week, to have fun?

Did you answer, yes to all of these questions? Then how about choosing yes to be a Big to a Little?

Bigs serve as friends, mentors and role models, helping children and youth gain greater self- confidence. Bigs help Littles ignite, empower and defend their potential by standing with them.

Big Brothers Big Sisters works to clear the path to a child’s biggest possible future by matching them with a caring, adult mentor in a one-to-one friendship. We serve children and youth who want and need a mentor in their lives. Our mentoring matches hang out on a consistent basis doing normal, everyday activities together, like taking a walk, playing games, cooking a meal, or just hanging out.

Every match is supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters with resources and support specific to the child and the match relationship. With a Big in their life, children and youth in the mentoring program are empowered to ignite their potential. They grow in their self-confidence, do better in school, broaden their horizons, and develop a lifelong friendship with their Big.

Mentoring works. It is proven that an additional caring person in their support network can make a profound difference in the life of a child – potentially changing the entire trajectory of their future. When children and youth have the influence of a caring adult, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and to focus on academics. Today’s youth face a variety of challenges, and being matched to a Big Brother or Big Sister can help them navigate these challenges and reach their potential. One-to-one matches between Bigs and Littles truly empower youth and strengthen communities.

Unfortunately, there is a mentoring gap in America. One-third of our nation’s youth, one-third of the children in our own community, are growing up without enough positive role models. And, there is a nationwide shortage of Big Brothers. We need you to stand with us “For Kids’ Sake.”

Mentoring simply takes real people who care. It takes people who are willing to stand up for and connect with kids; to empower them to reach their fullest potential, and to help them live out their biggest possible future. Not only does mentoring impact the individual child but the investment in human connection offers the potential for incredible outcomes. The mentoring movement builds brighter futures and strengthens communities for all.

Imagine a world where all young people feel empowered, encouraged and understood. Mentors can help to make that world a reality! An additional caring person in a child’s life can make all the difference in helping young people find and follow their passion, strive in school, and thrive wherever they are. Bringing this life-changing mission to the children in our community takes everyone’s support. They depend on our volunteers, families, donors, community partners and professional colleagues in the field.

At this time of year in particular, we depend on support from the community through our signature fundraising event, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28th in Houghton. Bowl for Kids’ is not about the bowling. It’s about having fun for a good cause. The purpose of the event is to invite the community to be a part of our mission and it is an easy and fun way for people to support children in our local communities. Anyone can get involved as a bowler, a team captain, a donor – or all three. Partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters through Bowl for Kids’ has a positive, long-lasting impact in our community.

For more information to support local mentoring efforts visit www.upkids.com/bbbs.

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