The Big Brother Big Sister Program of Erie County is an agency dedicated to matching carefully screened volunteer mentors in relationships with children from single parent or troubled home situations.

Description:
Volunteer mentors are placed in one-on-one mentoring relationships with children, aged 6-16, who have been referred by a parent, school or social service agency. The Big Brother or Big Sister becomes a positive role model to the child, whose feeling of acceptance, belonging , and self-esteem will hopefully improve. Research indicates that when these feelings of "self" improve, the incidence of anti-social behavior drastically decreases; an obvious benefit to the entire community. Matches are encouraged to spend at a few hours a week together enjoying everyday activities like playing board games, roller-blading at the park, preparing dinner together or just hanging out. It is during this time, that a friendship will be established. All mentoring matches between Big Brothers and Little Brothers and Big Sisters and Little Sisters are supported by a professional agency case manager whose role is to maintain contact with the volunteer, child and family. The case manager offers support to the family should there be any social needs issues and to provide the volunteer with words of encouragement or advice. The program also offers special activities and events for the Bigs & Littles to participate in.

History:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County was founded as the Be-A-Friend Program in 1971 by the current Executive Director Robert F. Moss. Mr. Moss was a student at the University of Buffalo and the program at the time was supported by Community Action Corps., a college-based volunteer organization run by the university students.

Contact person: Alicia Bartsch, Dir. of Community Relations, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 716/873-5833

Address:

85 River Rock Drive, Suite 107 Buffalo, NY 14207 (See a map)

Overall Experience   
This experienced has enriched my life in more ways than I ever could have imagined.

I have gained so much by being a Big Sister these past 4 years. My Little Sister is growing up right before my eyes. She is now learning how to drive! It is so rewarding being with her and watching her grow and go through ups and downs in her life. She has been through a lot in her family life and knowing that I will always be there for her as a constant in her life makes me feel better. I recently got married and she was a Junior Bridesmaid in my wedding party. She was so thrilled to dress up and get all "dolled up" and seeing her happy for me brings tears to my eyes. Although we only see each other about once or twice a month, knowing we are there for each other to call at a moment's notice is what is most rewarding. I have gained so much being a Big Sister in this program that it goes beyond words. posted by kareno68@aol.com on July 12, 2004