About us

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States.

We have been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country — including yours. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien & Cass, Inc.. has been serving our community since 1967.

Learn more about who we are and our history »
Meet our board of directors »
Meet our staff »

Mission

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien & Cass, Inc. prepares children for the future by enhancing their strengths through new experiences and friendships with qualified volunteers, supported by professional staff.

We will serve the community based upon these guiding principles:

Commitment to quality and safety

We are committed to one-to-one, safe and professionally supported mentoring with proven, measurable outcomes.

Dedicated to serving at-risk youth

In a world of scarce resources, we will focus on youth receiving free/reduced lunch, in a single parent environment and/or who have a parent in the criminal justice system.

Accountability to our stakeholders

We are committed to mutually beneficial relationships with our stakeholders and to building and funding our capacity for sustainable, quality growth.

Focus on diversity

We will address our communities’ racial, ethnic and gender diversity in all aspects of how we operate.

Culture of performance

We are a progressive organization that measures our impact and will recruit, build and retain the most effective team and Board.

Our mentoring works

National research has shown that positive relationships between youth and their Big Brothers and Big Sisters have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. 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

Learn more about our proven impact »
Learn more about us and our history »
Learn more about our programs »

1 Tierney, 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