Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Wabash Valley makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers “Bigs” and children “Littles” within the Wabash Valley. BBBSWV’s mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. We serve Clay, Vigo, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Parke counties.
Littles are children 5 years old to 14 years old. Bigs are adult volunteers 18+ years old. Bigs go through an interview process, are background checked, and have references checked as well. Bigs and Littles are matched by their interests and needs within a mentoring relationship. Matches meet a minimum of 4 hours a month doing free or low cost activities. BBBSWV hosts one event each month for the matches. We have put on a Cookies & Canvas, Tie Dye event, and partnered with the Climbing Cafe and the Jeep Junkies.
National studies show the positive impact between mentoring and youth development. Of youth who are involved in a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult:
46% are less likely to begin using drugs
27% are less likely to begin using alcohol
33% are less likely to bully or hit someone
52% are less likely to skip school
37% are less likely to skip a class
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Wabash Valley is always looking to build and strengthen our relationships with the community and local businesses. We are always taking applications for both Bigs and Littles. BBBSWV’s biggest need is for male mentors. We currently have 23 male Littles that are waiting to be matched.
Click the following links and fill out the applications to become a Big or enroll your child
Big application: https://www.bbbs.org/get-involved/
Little application: https://www.bbbs.org/enroll-a-child/
This year we are hosting a Golf For Kids Sake on June 10th. This money goes to helping Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Wabash Valley support our 44 (and growing) matches. We are looking for local businesses to sponsor this event.
For any questions contact Morgan Deighton 812-231-8907 mdeighton@casyonline.org or Emily Freeman 812-231-8910 efreeman@casyonline.org.
Morgan Deighton is the Program Coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Wabash Valley.
