Community Program
In the Community Program, we "match" volunteers (Bigs) with children (Littles.) These matches typically spend time enjoying activities together three times a month. During these outings, they cultivate relationships that provide children with skills to manage every day challenges.
We serve any child in our service area who wants or needs a positive adult role model. A volunteer Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple or Big Family becomes a friend to the child and the relationship is supported by professional staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through simple friendship, Bigs experience the joy of helping children discover a world of possibilities and opportunities.
National research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. By participating in our programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are:
- more confident in their schoolwork performance
- able to get along better with their families
- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school.
School-Based Programs
Volunteers are matched with Littles in a supervised setting in rural elementary and middle schools, typically once a week during the academic year. Teachers and counselors identify children who can benefit most from interaction with a caring adult. As their friendships evolve, volunteers and children discover ways to make school and learning fun.
The Ennis School Program is a partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ennis Branch and the Ennis Schools. Last year, 46 high school Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors were matched with children in grades K-4 on a one-to-one basis. The purpose of the program is to form a friendship between a volunteer "Big" and a child "Little" to assist the Little with social skills, academics, and self-esteem. For more information on the Ennis Sidekicks Program, please us at (406) 587-1216 or email.
The Big Sky School Program started in 2012 between Lone Peak High School and Ophir Elementary School. The purpose of the program is to form a friendship between a volunteer "Big" and a child "Little" to assist the Little with social skills, academics, and self-esteem. For more information on the Big Sky program contact the Branch Coordinator at (406) 855-6544 or email.
Photo credit: Notarius Photography
Special thanks to Zoot for their program support!
