Programs

More than five million children across the U.S. have a parent in prison. Children with 1-2 incarcerated parents have a 70-90% chance of ending up in prison themselves and are more likely to face immense challenges including cycles of poverty, abuse, academic failure, dropping out of school, and even incarceration themselves. These children, coined “Amachi” for the Nigerian Ibo word meaning “who knows what God has brought us through this child”. “Amachi” signifies children who are in dire need of one more supportive, caring adult in their lives to help them reach their full potential and thrive as productive members of society.

In many religious traditions, helping others in your community is embedded within the religious culture, often seen as a way of living out religious beliefs. This call to service often leads individuals and congregations to mentoring. Faith-based mentors are those who identify themselves as religious, participate in the program as part of their religious congregation, or through the BIG HOPE Network.

Through a site-based, sponsored partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, companies give back to the community by hosting a group of Littles from a nearby school at their corporate office. Littles meet in the workplace with an employee Big two to four times per month during the school day for an hour. Our staff manages the program on-site while Bigs and Littles play games, help with schoolwork, tour the office, or just share stories with one another.

When local high schools are positioned near an elementary school, it presents a unique school-based opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to serve as volunteer mentors to elementary students. High School Bigs meet collectively and are paired one-to-one with a Little. Group meetings are facilitated by our staff who provide structured activities, encourage reading together, and supervise the match relationships.

Being a mentor is not reserved for only young adults, but for the young at heart. Often times we hear potential mentors say, “I wish I would have done that when I was younger,” thinking they are, in their opinion, “too old.” However, with decades of knowledge, a wealth of experiences, and spare time to share, retired individuals, empty-nesters, and grandparents make the best mentors. Generations partners with these mentor-rich communities to encourage seniors to volunteer with children needing a mentor.

Bigs Outdoors program matches Littles with an interest in the outdoors with caring adults who want to pass on their passion for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, shooting sports, water sports, hiking, camping, and bird-watching are just a few of the options that let the Little enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors.

We recognize children with a parent in the military face unique challenges due to the stresses of military life. Military Mentoring provides services to children of those who have faithfully served our country – active duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, National Guard and those who are wounded or lost their lives – by selectively pairing them with a volunteer mentor that has a unique understanding of the lifestyle of our armed service families.

Mentoring can be better, together. By becoming a Big Couple or Big Family, you can impact the life of a child in need alongside your significant other (in a long-term relationship of at least two years) or even with your entire family. This program provides the flexibility to have outings with your “Little” both together and/or individually.  It is a great way to spend time together while also positively impacting the life of a child.

Bigs in Blue^SM is a national initiative aiming to connect our youth with local police in order to build strong, trusting, and lasting relationships that have the power to strengthen entire communities.

More than two-thirds of children waiting for a mentor are boys requesting a positive, caring male mentor. Studies have shown that the lack of a male figure in a boy’s life increases the likelihood of performing poorly in school or getting involved in crime. Through intentional campaigns and partnerships, the Real Men Mentor campaign meets men where they are in order to encourage them to be a male mentor that a boy can turn to and emulate as they grow up.

Girls are bombarded with unrealistic expectations every day. Sisters Rock combines the power of mentoring with opportunities for girls to gain insight on issues they face every day to prepare and empower them to become the best version of themselves, with the guidance and support of a trusted friend – their Big Sister. Topics covered include: healthy relationships, success in school and career, and positive self-esteem.

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including our love of sports. Thanks to generous individuals who donate in-kind and special partnerships with local sports teams, Sports Buddies provides Bigs various opportunities to share their passion of sports with their Little such as tickets to games, sports clinics, and special player appearances, and more.