About Us:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut is a non-profit agency that provides adult mentors to children. We recruit, carefully screen and train caring adults to act as mentors, match them with children and support them.

We operate on the premise that a one-to-one relationship with an adult provides the support a child needs to grow and mature into a responsible adult. No program fees are charged for the agency's services- we depend on the support of the United Way, private foundations, and personal and corporate donations from the communities we serve.

Studies by independent research groups have shown Big Brother Big Sister programs have a significant positive impact:

64% of students developed more positive attitudes toward school

60% improved relationships with adults

56% improved relationships with their peers

Since 1904, the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters has been to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youths, primarily through a professionally supported, one-to-one relationship with a caring adult.

The agency assists its clients in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become more confident, competent and caring individuals by providing them with committed, screened, trained and supervised volunteer mentors. this relationship takes many forms. A Big Brother may be his Little Brother's mentor. A Big Sister may be her Little Sister's role model. In all relationships, the "Big" is the "Little's" friend.

The outcome of this friendship?

Research from around the country, collected from observing the results of the program for 100 years, shows positive differences in the child's life. His or her self-esteem increases, attitude toward school improves and relationships with family and friends get even better.

Who can take part in the program?

Boys ages 7-14 and girls ages 6-14, and adults over the age of 18 can take part in the program. The Big and Little should plan to get together on a regular basis to share interests, activities, and great times.