About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District has been providing life changing mentoring programs for youth in Barrie and area for over 50 years.
Many children and youth in our communities struggle with societal barriers resulting in stress that can negatively impact healthy development. With the support of a mentor, these risks are reduced, or avoided, and youth are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our Mentoring Coordinators are experts at screening volunteers and matching them to a mentee with similar interests.
Our programs include:
One-to-One Mentoring – provides youth with a role model with whom to speak and share experiences. Through regular outings, a relationship built on trust and common interests is developed. The result is a life-changing experience for both mentor and mentee.
In-School Mentoring – provides youth with a role model with whom to speak and share experiences on school grounds. For one hour per week, mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities including board games, crafts or just spending time together.
Go Girls! – a group mentoring program for girls aged 12-14 focusing on physical activities, balanced eating and self-esteem.
Game On! – a group mentoring program providing boys and young men with support to make informed choices about healthy lifestyle practices.
Our Impact
Many young people find themselves in vulnerable situations and facing adversities such as mental health issues, family violence, identity issues or poor living conditions, which put these youth at risk of not reaching their full potential. With the guidance and support of a mentor, these risks can be avoided and these young people can gain the confidence to achieve more. Our mentors advise and challenge these young people, act as their champions, provide greater consistency in their lives, connect them to broader experiences, opportunities and networks, while providing safe, nonjudgmental environments. This is shown to provide youth with higher incomes, higher self-esteem, achievements, better health and a sense of belonging. Not only will your gift assist youth in need of a mentor, but for every $1 invested in our programming, $18 to $23 is returned to society through taxes, higher incomes, volunteerism and charitable donations.
How your gift will be used
Our free mentoring programs give children and youth in our communities the opportunity to reach their full potential. Your gift will ensure quality and consistency in all of our mentoring programs so that every child who needs a mentor, can get a mentor. Your generous donation will help youth in Barrie and area today, and long into the future.