Our programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien & Cass matches children ages 6 through 12 with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. We have programs in Berrien and Cass counties.

We have two programs that offer volunteers different levels of involvement and time commitment. In both programs, life-enriching relationships are developed between the Big and the Little.

Making the connection

Matches come together through our two essential programs:

Site-based mentoring
(Lunch Buddy)

Lunch Buddy Bigs and Littles meet once a week in schools to talk and have fun. It’s not about being a tutor… it’s about being a friend.

Lunch Buddy Brochure (.pdf) »

Community-based mentoring

For as little as an hour a week, Bigs and Littles meet in their community to share fun activities… stories… and a little bit of themselves.

Supporting research

Studies conducted through BBBS of America suggest that strong relationships can develop within the school context and the attitudes and behaviors of children involved in these programs improved. The most common effects were improvements in confidence, grades, social skills and attendance.

Learn more about the research and our impact »

How a Big becomes a Big (and a Little a Little)

A lot of things have to happen before we make a match. All our Bigs go through a thorough background check and careful interview process. Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities and preferences. And we provide full support along the way — so that matches can grow into lasting friendships.

More information on volunteering »
More information on enrolling a child »

What Bigs and Littles do

Getting together is a great time for both Bigs and Littles. It doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activities; just a few hours every month sharing simple things you already enjoy with a young person. Things like:

• Shooting hoops
• Playing a board game
• Sharing a pizza
• Taking a walk in the park
• Or, just hanging out and talking

More information on volunteering »
More information on enrolling a child »

Your donation will make a difference

Calls come in every day from parents, teachers and guidance counselors. They know what a difference a mentor can make in a child’s life. Your gift can help make Big magic for children in your local community by:

• Helping us to recruit new Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers
• Ensuring that trained professionals match children to caring and responsible Bigs
• Offering one-on-one, ongoing supervision and support for every match
• Providing cultural and social activities to enrich the opportunities for children

92.2 percent of every dollar you give goes directly to making and supporting matches; the remainder covers overall program administration.

Think about a child who has wished for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Someone to have fun with and confide in. Someone to be a mentor. A guide. A friend. Now… think of how your gift could make a difference in that child’s life.