Big Brothers Big Sisters a Community of Caring

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Last Updated May 7, 2008

Help Us Celebrate 50 Years of Thinking Big!

We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year. Are you a former Big or Little (any BBBS Agency) a former board member or volunteer? We want you to help us celebrate!
Tell us how to reach you by clicking here!

You have a lot to offer a child!

Have you thought about volunteering, but are unsure about whether you'd make a good mentor? Don't worry — you just have to be yourself and you'll make a positive impact on the life of a child. As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you'll take the activities you already do, and instead of going alone, share them with your Little. It's things like playing a video game, watching a movie, and just hanging out talking. Just a few hours of your time each month can have a Big impact on the life of a child. And remember, while we're always looking for all types of volunteers, right now we especially need Big Brothers. Learn How to Become a Big!

THE LATEST!

The inaugural Bob and Patty Miller Champion for Children Dinner was held May 3 at the Holiday Inn in Battle Creek. The event recognized the contributions Patty and her late husband Bob made to children in the Battle Creek community. Additionally, Jim Yore was honored with the first Champion for Children Award and Big Sister Miranda Borka received the Patty Miller Big Sister of the Year Award.

Local volunteers have won honors for their volunteer work through Big Brothers Big Sisters, A Community of Caring. The Volunteer Center of Battle Creek recognized Dawn Johnston as Mentor of the Year. The Barry County Volunteer Center honored Diane Haines and Hastings Mutual Insurance Corporation with "Everyday Hero" Awards for their work on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

More than 800 people helped us celebrate our 50th Anniversary at the Big Rally on Saturday, April 19. Special thanks to our co-sponsors Western Michigan University and EMA Enterprises.

The Bowl For Kids Sake Community Bowls in Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties have raised more than $130,000 to help BBBS serve local kids.

Michigan State University Head Football Coach Mark Dantonio will be the keynote speaker of the Annual Benefit Dinner. The 31st Benefit Dinner will be Monday, June 9, 2008.

John Brown of Allegan has joined the BBBS Board of Directors

Our Impact on Children

Children with a Big Brother or Big Sister in their lives are:

46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs

27% less likely to begin using alcohol

52% less likely to skip school

Learn more about mentoring
Donate to support programs

More about our impact

Bigs: Visit the For Bigs Only page regularly. Learn about new activities you can do with your Little!

Big Brothers Big Sisters sets the standard for the safety of children in mentoring programs. Learn about our guidelines.

Real Life Stories

	Watching a Little Go a Long Way - The Ray and Carlos Story “Criminal activity, tragedy, and lost potential were described as everyday facts of life experienced by others around him,” said Carlos. “I knew that his raw intelligence, abundance of charisma, and good heart were a special combination that made him different. The trick was getting him to see it,” said Big Brother Carlos. Read about Ray and Carlos

Enriching, encouraging and empowering children to reach their highest potential through safe, positive mentoring relationships is the agency’s mission. We serve this mission through a professional staff that carefully works with both the volunteers and the children to ensure that the experience of Big Brothers Big Sisters is one that is dynamic, fulfilling, memorable and fun for both the child and the volunteer.

Taking a vacation or business trip?
Turn your trip into a gift!

Make a reservation at a Holiday Inn hotel by using the link above and 9% of the proceeds will go directly to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

9% of the proceeds will go directly to
Big Brothers Big Sisters,
A Community of Caring.

A United Way Agency