Life-Changing Friendships

Since 1989, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been changing children's lives by matching them with caring adults to guide them on a path to success.

Get Involved
Donate

Life-Changing Friendships

Since 1989, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida has been changing children's lives by matching them with caring adults to guide them on a path to success.

Get Involved
Donate

Millions of children need a caring adult role model.

When children and teens 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 with a Big Brother or Big Sister can help them navigate these challenges and reach their potential.

Impact on Education in Northwest Florida

maintained or improved in math
maintained or improved in reading
maintained or improved in science
maintained or improved in school attendance
have remained crime free

What’s New From Big Brothers Big Sisters

Being a volunteer mentor and role model is only one of the ways to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. You can also purchase one of our license plates at your local tax collector’s office. For each plate sold, Big Brothers Big Sisters receives money. Here in Northwest Florida we receive half of what is sold from Pensacola to Panama City.

Do your part to drive kids in the right direction.

How does Big Brothers Big Sisters help Kasaius?

Matching Relationship Management Activities Screening and Training

Matching

When Big Brothers Big Sisters works to match a Little with a Big, we take into account the needs, personality, interests, and goals of both the child and the adult volunteer. We introduce the Little and his or her family to the Big slowly and make sure everyone is fully committed to the match before it is made official. Little Brother Kasaius is outgoing and up for anything, so he needed a Big who was creative and had a variety of interests.

Relationship Management

Children like Kasaius get the most out of their one-to-one relationship with their Big when the Big, the parent or guardian, and the child talk openly with their Match Support Specialist. Working as part of the team helping the child succeed, the Match Support Specialist can help identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and connect the family with essential services.

Activities

When Kasaius’ Big Brother saw the email from BBBS saying that there were spots open in a free acting class, he jumped at the chance to take Kasaius. BBBS affiliates across the country provide activities for Bigs and Littles and also alert Bigs to opportunities in the community. This enables Bigs to get to know other Bigs, who might be experiencing similar things and who might have great suggestions for more new activities.

Screening and Training

Child safety is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ highest priority. To achieve the highest standards possible, we work constantly to review and strengthen our background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge. We also make sure our Bigs and our staff have the training and resources they need to help Littles on their path to success.