Big Brothers Big Sisters
We need you to be a friend to just ONE
It is tough to grow up in Brooklyn and Queens. It is even more difficult when a child grows up in a single-parent home. However, having a consistent adult friend can help make a big difference in that child's world. You can change a child's world by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. A Big Brother or Big Sister is NOT a replacement for an absent father or mother. Being a BIG simply means being a consistent, reliable friend. Through two unique programs, Catholic Charities Big Brothers Big Sisters provides the opportunity for you to make a difference.
Community-Based Mentoring Program
"BIGS" are 18 years of age or over, come from a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds, have a stable life, care about children and are able to make a one-year commitment to a Little Brother or Little Sister. "LITTLES" are between the ages of 8 to 14, and usually have little or no contact with the absent parent. Big Brothers Big Sisters tries to match the "BIG" with a "LITTLE" who lives nearby and has a compatible personality and similar interests. "BIGS" usually get together with their "LITTLES" 2-3 times a month to ride bikes, go for walks, cook a meal together, play basketball or read whatever both the "BIG" and "LITTLE" would like to do.
New York's Mentoring Children of Promise
Children of Promise is a collaborative across New York State to serve children who have an incarcerated parent, parental figure, or any other family member or any other support system in the child's life (sibling, grandparents, step parent, aunt or uncle). The project aims to provide support for the "LITTLES" with one or more parent or parental figure who is currently incarcerated, as well as providing support to the "BIGS" who are matched with them. The "BIG" is expected to meet with the children in the same way as a regular community-based match; however the "LITTLES" are between the ages of 6-16 years old. To refer a child or learn more about this program please contact Dayanna Torres, Outreach Recruiter at dtorres@ccbq.org pr Bonnie Rubenstein, Social Worker brubenstein@ccbq.org or call at 718-875-8801.
School-Based Mentoring Program
BIGS in the School-Based Program can be either high school students or individuals who are 18 years of age or over. "LITTLES" are either elementary or middle school students who have been identified by their teachers or other school personnel as being able to benefit from adult friendship and support. "BIGS" get together with their "LITTLES" at the school during the school day or after school time period. The BIG meets with the "LITTLE" for an hour a week throughout the school year. While "BIGS" and "LITTLES" might spend some time on schoolwork, they also engage in other activities such as sports and games, exploring the internet, doing homework, doing artwork, writing a story, eating lunch together, talking all things that help to build a strong relationship. To learn more about this program contact Bonnie Rubenstein, 718-875-8801 atbrubenstein@ccbq.org.
We are actively accepting referrals to the New York's Mentoring Children of Promise Program and recruiting potential Big Brothers that live in Brooklyn or Queens. For more information or to apply, please contact Dayanna Torres, Outreach Recruiter at dtorres@ccbq.org or Bonnie Rubenstein atbrubenstein@ccbq.org or call 718-875-8801.
Can't volunteer but still want to help? Your donation will support our ability to recruit and screen more mentors for children throughout Brooklyn and Queens as well as provide activities in which BIGS and LITTLES can take part! Click HERE for a donation form. Please make checks payable to Catholic Charities Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brooklyn and Queens and send them attention Kaydian Reid.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kaydian Reid, Interim Director, 718-722-6015, kreid@ccbq.org, 191 Joralemon Street, 7th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
