Big Brothers of Rhode Island organizes volunteers to be positive role models and mentors to fatherless boys in R.I. The role of a Big Brother is to meet with a Little Brother for a few hours each week. By his friendship, influence and guidance, a Big Brother builds self-esteem in his Little Brother and helps to make that one child a better citizen of our community and nation.

Description:
Our agency provides a variety of mentoring services statewide. Our programs aim to prevent juvenile delinquency by establishing relationships between Big Brother mentors and boys who do not have father figures at home. Big Brothers are volunteers who meet one-on-one with a Little Brother for 2-5 hours each week. We ask our Big Brothers to make a one year commitment to the program. Social workers screen, train, match and supervise the individuals involved in each mentoring match; they communicate with the children, mothers and volunteers to support healthy and positive friendships. There is no fee for services, and our volunteers are thoroughly screened.

History:
Big Brothers of Rhode Island is in its 55th year of providing one-on-one mentoring services to fatherless boys throughout the state. Since 1952, our agency has introduced more than 7,000 fatherless boys, ages seven to 14, to adult men in their communities committed to being caring, responsible mentors and role models.

Contact person: Val Sinesi, Executive Director, 401-432-9955, (email)
Office fax number: (401) 808-6586

Address:

3300 Pawtucket Avenue East Providence, RI 02915 (See a map)

Directions:

Travel 195 East from the Providence area, and take exit 4, bearing right toward Riverside. Follow Veterans Memorial Pkwy. off that exit. When you come to the first traffic light, go straight, passing Bradley Hospital and St. Mary. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: RIPTA 33, <5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	Yes
Interests Served:
	Solutions for Children, Youth, Families
Does your agency accept court-appointed volunteers?
	Yes