About Us
Overview
Over the past 30 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge has matched thousands of caring adult volunteers in the Staunton/Augusta/Waynesboro, Charlottesville/Albemarle and Lexington areas with children in need of mentoring and support. Big Brothers Big Sisters works to help young people realize their highest potential through consistent, long-term, professionally-supported one-on-one mentoring relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge is an independent, non-profit organization governed by a local Board of Directors and affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. We are a proud member of the United Way of Greater Augusta and The Center for Nonprofit Excellence in Charlottesville.
Update: we’re now on Facebook! You can find our Facebook page by clicking here; please consider becoming a “fan” of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge.
Why Mentoring?
Children growing up today are faced with tough decisions at an early age. They are exposed to adult situations before they are mature enough to understand.
Big Brothers Big Sisters strengthens the community by reaching out a hand to help our youth. The children we serve face a variety of hardships:
– Many come from single parent homes, are being raised by a grandparent, or have a parent in jail.
– Most are living at or below the poverty level.
– Some come from households where English is not the primary language.
– Others come from homes with fewer risk factors, yet they still need a friend to help them attain success in life.
By pairing children with a stable, reliable adult mentor – a Big Brother or a Big Sister – children enjoy improved opportunities in life. Little Brothers and Sisters learn how to set goals and raise their expectations, thereby charting a better course for their future.
Mentoring Works!
National research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. Studies show that Little Brothers and Sisters are:
- More likely to do well in school
- Able to get along better with their families and friends
- Less likely to engage in risky behaviors, like drugs and alcohol
- Apt to feel more confident and better about themselves
