Big/Little Matches

A Perfect Match ...

... is what Big Brothers Big Sisters creates between adult volunteers and children from single-parent families. Volunteers and children are thoroughly screened, interviewed, and trained to match interests and personality and also give everyone a realistic idea of what to expect from the relationship.

Bigs and Littles get together once each week for a minimum of a year. Activities vary depending on the match, but the emphasis is on simply spending time doing everyday things.

Big Couples is a way for couples to share their volunteer time. Little Brothers are matched with a couple. Both partners act as a "Big" mentor who provide support and guidance.

Volunteers, or "Bigs," must be at least 21 years old, be a positive role model, and exhibit a genuine interest in children. The children, or "Littles," are 6-15 years old who live with only one parent, a grandparent, or other guardian.

Although the minimum for a Match is one year, the relationship may continue as long as desired by both the volunteer and child. It is not unusual for Bigs and Littles to keep in touch after the child has grown and the Match officially closed.