Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that is set up to connect a Little ages five years old through young adulthood to a Big. These Bigs could be a high school student or an adult. Their mission statement is to “create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.”
BBBS started up in 1904 in New York when a young count clerk, Ernest Coulter, noticed there were more little boys ending up in his courtroom. He saw how they needed caring adults around them and started the Big Brothers movement. Around the same time, members of the Ladies of Charity were becoming close with the girls that were in the New York Children’s Court. They later formed the group Catholic Big Sisters.
The groups worked separately until 1977 when both decided to work together creating the BBBS of America. Today the organization has been around for more than 100 years and continues to help connect kids with a lifelong friend.
A “Big” spends time with their Little two to three times a month doing things such as eating lunch with them, helping with homework, catching a movie together and playing games. The goal is to create a bond with your Little and help their self-esteem. OHS senior Blake Davison said “I love going to the school and seeing my “Little” being so excited to see me.” Davison has been a Big since his junior year and was inspired to become one when his friends had Bigs in middle school and he wanted to be like them.
Ms. Linda Coleman, an employee of BBBS, said, “Knowing I am a small part of bringing smiles and happiness to people, is such a reward.” Ms. Coleman has worked with the organization for 22 years and has enjoyed meeting all of the volunteers who have been involved throughout the years.
Some upcoming activities in November involving BBBS are: Helping out at Tri-M Graphics Holiday Open House, which is a community event on Nov. 9, Disney trivia at the OHS foundations room on Nov. 13 and Hometown hustle at the Owatonna Ed. Center and on Nov. 21. Other opportunities include painting and potter held at the Green Shack.
The requirements for becoming a Big are being a sophomore or junior, completing an interview process with BBBS, based in one of the five school districts of the program and a driver’s license. The requirements for being a Little include being 5-14 years old, living in one of the five counties that they serve and needing an extra buddy in life.
If you’re interested in becoming a Big or enrolling your child to become a Little, their website provides all the information you need with steps to follow.
