The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is “to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact”. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento, established in 1963, is a smaller branch of the nationwide Big Brothers Big Sisters of America organization that was established in 1904. Since then, Big Brothers Big Sisters has spread internationally in 1998. Though Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento may be a smaller branch, it covers a wide area of Sacramento that includes Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, San Joaquin, Yuba and Sutter Counties.

See also other local services & organizations.

Volunteering

There are many kids in need of mentors. The program relies on volunteers from the community to become involved in these children's lives. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things you will ever do.

It's easy, too. Your Little can join you for the kinds of activities you already like to do, such as:

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

Just 8 hours a month can change a young person's life. Depending on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program you're in, you will meet your Little at his or her school or in the community. Little Brothers and Little Sisters come from all kinds of backgrounds. Some are really little (as young as seven) and some are teenagers. Some may live on your block and some a few miles away

How to apply: The easiest and fastest way to get started is to complete a convenient inquiry form. After you complete this short form online, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you. You'll need to:

• Provide four references
• Participate in an in-person interview
• Have a background check performed.
• Alternatively, you may call 916-646-9300 during regular business hours to volunteer.

Donating

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization and gets 75% of their funding from private parties. They rely on the community giving back as much as they give to the community.Help support the children in your community by donating online. Any amount makes a huge impact on the lives of numerous young children. Financial support helps to provide programs and services nationally and in the Sacramento area to better the future of our next generation. Your financial support starts lots of things, like:

• Recruiting new Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers
• Covering the costs of background checks, while ensuring trained professionals match Littles to responsible Bigs
• Enabling ongoing supervision and relationship support for every Big, Little and Little’s family
• Providing cultural and social activities to enrich the opportunities for children

There are also other ways to donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters as well.

• Stocks & Securities: Start helping kids profit. Many donors are now making gifts to us in the form of stocks, bonds and mutual funds. http://www.bbbs-sac.org/site/c.cuISJdNWKlL6G/b.7659817/k.C935/Stocks__Securities.htm
• Bowl for Kids’ Sake: Hit the lanes and start bowling strikes for this annual event to help raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. http://www.bbbs-sac.org/site/c.cuISJdNWKlL6G/b.7659827/k.BF38/Bowl_for_Kids_Sake.htm
• Foundation & Corporate Giving: Philanthropy starts with you. Big Brothers Big Sisters is grateful for financial support from foundations and corporations. http://www.bbbs-sac.org/site/c.cuISJdNWKlL6G/b.7659823/k.7A6B/Foundations__Corporations.htm
• Cars for Kids’ Sake: Donate your car to Big Brothers Big Sisters. We’ll sell it, then start something with the proceeds. http://www.bbbs-sac.org/site/c.cuISJdNWKlL6G/b.7659821/k.B041/Cars_for_Kids_Sake.htm
• Planned Giving: Start putting your trust in us—literally. Making us a part of your trust, bequest or endowment can start many years of giving. http://www.bbbs-sac.org/site/c.cuISJdNWKlL6G/b.7659825/k.9D9D/Planned_Giving.htm
• Friends Asking Friends: Start a simple webpage to solicit and track donations from friends and family. It’s fun and easy! http://www.bbbs-sac.org/site/c.cuISJdNWKlL6G/b.7659829/k.6C9D/Friends_Asking_Friends.htm
• Household Donation Pick-up Program: We always need gently used clothing, shoes, & household items. http://www.bbbs-sac.org/site/c.cuISJdNWKlL6G/b.7716233/k.3CF1/Household_Donation_Pickup_Program.htm

Program success

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. In a national study, researchers interviewed the Littles, the children who were not matched, and their parents on two occasions: when they first applied for a Big Brother or Big Sister, and again 18 months later.

Researchers found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, the Little Brothers and Little Sisters were:

• 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
• 37% less likely to skip a class
• more confident of their performance in schoolwork
• one-third less likely to hit someone
• getting along better with their families

Some other statistics:

• 84% of former Littles surveyed agree their experience influenced them in showing understanding to those less fortunate.
• 81% of former Littles surveyed agree their Big gave them hope & changed their perspective of what they thought possible.
• 85% of former Littles surveyed agree their experience influenced them in overcoming adversity or problems with courage.
• 67% of former Littles surveyed agree that their Big played a role in their decision to attend college.
• 83% of former Littles surveyed agree that their Big instilled values and principles that have guided them through life.
• 84% of former Littles surveyed agree that their Big taught them the importance of helping others.

Works Cited

All text and photos provided by: "Home Page-Big Brothers Big Sisters - Greater Sacramento Area." Home Page-Big Brothers Big Sisters - Greater Sacramento Area. N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Nov. 2011. <http://www.bbbs-sac.org/site/c.cuISJdNWKlL6G/b.7659725/k.EF92/Home_Page.htm>