Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, NY Information

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, NY is a professionally supported mentoring program for children who can benefit from additional friendship and care. Mentors are volunteers: men and women, ages 18 and older, with a sincere interest in being a friend, guide and support to a child. They are adults from the community who may be a college student, retiree, military personnel or employee in a local business. The children we serve are referred to our program through the parent, caregiver, school, church or community agency. Youth served are ages 6-14 and reside in Orange County, often in a single-parent or guardian-headed household. Our Littles come from various types of home environments and family structures, different socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, neighborhoods and schools across Orange County. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique. They all have a need for friendship with a caring adult. Special initiatives also reach children... * With a parent in state or federal prison. (for ages 6-18) * With a parent deployed on military assignment. * Being raised by a grandparent. Mentoring makes an impact by helping children make better choices, gain confidence, develop better peer and family relationships. Littles who regularly meet with their mentor are: - 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs - 27% less likely to begin using alcohol - 52% less likely to skip school - 37% less likely to skip a class - more confident of their performance in schoolwork - one-third less likely to hit someone - getting along better with their families