Guest Columnist: Big Brothers, Big Sisters works

Why Big Brothers Big Sisters? Simply, because the programs work. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature one-to-one, professionally supported adult-child friendships deliver proven results that last into adulthood.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been around for more than a century, ever since Judge Julius Mayer in New York saw too many young men turning up in his courtroom for lack of an adult friend who could help them make the right decisions. Within a few years, Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters came to Boston, and in 1949 helped form Big Brothers of Greater Boston (which ultimately became Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay). Shortly afterward, the Big Sister Association was formed. Together, these three affiliates serve greater Boston. We all work to provide a volunteer “Big” for “Littles,” children who could do with another adult in their lives, someone they can trust, who can help change their perspectives and, ultimately, their lives.

Even in last year’s down economy, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay served 2,700 boys and girls in our hallmark one-to-one programs in the 155 towns and cities we serve from Cape Ann to Cape Cod. In Greater Boston, our main focus is on serving boys in urban communities where the challenges of growing up are particularly acute — and we always need men and men of color to volunteer as Bigs. We work closely with our companion agencies to deliver programs where we can have the greatest impact, whether in schools, neighborhoods and housing developments, or through partnerships with local firms and organizations who want to provide a meaningful volunteer experience to their employees.

We are a volunteer- and donor- supported organization. Our volunteer Bigs — kind-hearted individuals of all ages, all backgrounds and all walks of life — are the agents of change in our programs because they are the ones who become the Littles’ friends. They spend time together, several times a month for several hours at a time, doing whatever interests them both, whether it’s as simple as hanging out or doing routine chores (shopping, preparing a meal, washing the car, walking the dog) or something more exciting (exploring the city, going to museums, attending events — donated tickets are often available).

Long-term success comes from making the right match in the first place. The deeper and longer the friendship, the greater the impact. Our professional staff takes many hours to get to know volunteers, families and children before we propose a match. Besides the basics — interviews, references, etc. — we’re looking for signs that the parties (volunteer, child and parent or guardian) will really “click” and maintain the friendship for at least a year. As a result of this up-front investment, the organization’s matches average 2 years 4 months. 

As soon as a friendship is launched, we start providing regular ongoing support that lasts for the duration of the match. This helps overcome any possible bumps in the road and monitor how each party thinks the match is developing.

We have evidence that our model — widely recognized as “the gold standard” of professionally supported one-to-one mentoring — has a massive impact in changing lives. Short term, children in our programs are less likely to become involved in risky behaviors, such as drugs, alcohol, violence and truancy. Longer term, we have evidence that adults who were mentored as youth in a BBBS program are more likely than their peers to complete college, have high-paying careers, maintain strong relationships with their spouses and children, and report high overall satisfaction with their lives. Our proven, professionally supported model stands out in terms of impact. Our friendships do change perspectives — and thus change lives.

How can donors help?

Where do donors fit into the picture? It costs money to train and develop the professional staffers who make it possible for Bigs and Littles to enjoy successful, durable matches. Our work is supported by the generosity of foundations, organizations and individuals; less than 2 percent of our revenue comes from government sources. In general, each year we spend what we raise. This difficult economy presents us with enormous challenges as resources dwindle, but the needs of the families we serve and our waiting list of children grows. During this holiday season, please join our cause by making a “Gifts of Hope’ donation at www.giftsofhope2009.kintera.org, or mail your gift to Gifts of Hope, c/o Big Brothers Big Sisters, 5 Mear Road, Holbrook, MA 02343. For more information about BBBSMB, visit www.bbbsmb.org.