Making Connections in Blair and Huntingdon County

We provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

How can you help?

 

Become a Big.

 We have over 100 Little Brothers and Sisters just waiting to be matched. When children and teens have the influence of a caring adult, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and to focus on academics. Today's youth face a variety of challenges, and being matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister can help them navigate these challenges and reach their potential.  

Make a Financial Gift.

 Help us expand our reach by financially supporting our Community and SMART Mentoring Programs.

Get Involved.

Whether its volunteering at an event or following us on Facebook, contact us today to learn how you can get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters and make an impact in your own unique way!

"Marcus & Mack were thrilled to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Blair County! We believe that every child has it within them to succeed, it just sometimes takes the influence of an older peer to help them reach their full potential. By investing in BBBS, we have confidence that we are helping to make the community a better place."

- Marcus&Mack, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Blair County supporter and donor

 

How does Big Brothers Big Sisters help Kasaius?

Matching

When Big Brothers Big Sisters works to match a Little with a Big, we take into account the needs, personality, interests, and goals of both the child and the adult volunteer. We introduce the Little and his or her family to the Big slowly and make sure everyone is fully committed to the match before it is made official. Little Brother Kasaius is outgoing and up for anything, so he needed a Big who was creative and had a variety of interests.

Relationship Management

Children like Kasaius get the most out of their one-to-one relationship with their Big when the Big, the parent or guardian, and the child talk openly with their Match Support Specialist. Working as part of the team helping the child succeed, the Match Support Specialist can help identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and connect the family with essential services.

Activities

When Kasaius’ Big Brother saw the email from BBBS saying that there were spots open in a free acting class, he jumped at the chance to take Kasaius. BBBS affiliates across the country provide activities for Bigs and Littles and also alert Bigs to opportunities in the community. This enables Bigs to get to know other Bigs, who might be experiencing similar things and who might have great suggestions for more new activities.

Screening and Training

Child safety is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ highest priority. To achieve the highest standards possible, we work constantly to review and strengthen our background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge. We also make sure our Bigs and our staff have the training and resources they need to help Littles on their path to success.