We are here to start something
Big Brothers Big Sisters is not your typical organization. We help children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities. And we couldn’t do any of it without you.
Our Impact
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Changing perspectives. Changing lives.
For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Click here to view our national office’s 2009 Annual Report and learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters began services in January, 1975. The agency was incorporated in May, 1974, as Big Brothers of Charleston-Mattoon. Services to girls were added in 1976 and the agency name was changed again to reflect county-wide services to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Coles County. When services to Shelby County were initiated, the name was changed to Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2009, services to Effingham County began.
Vision: The Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters Vision is that all children achieve success in life.
Mission: The Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Accountability: by partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:
- Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
- Avoidance of risky behaviors
- Educational success
Our Programs Start Something
Here’s the proof. 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. 1
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1Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., and Resch, N.L. (1995) Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures *This research was done on the national office and not our specific agency.
