Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Central Iowa

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa's (BBBSCI) purpose is to provide positive role models for at-risk youth in our communities. BBBSCI has always been a leader in developing and sustaining mentoring relationships. We accomplish this by pairing children with volunteers for guidance, support and most importantly, friendship. The relationship that develops between the matches help children grow into adulthood with the self esteem and skills necessary to be productive citizens. Our two primary mentoring programs are: *The Community-Based Program: allows individuals who are 18 or older to visit with a child twice a month for a minimum of fours hours a month. Bigs spend time with their Littles participating in activities throughout the community- going to the zoo, playing catch or just taking a walk. Note: A year commitment is required to be Community-Based Big. *The School-Based Program Program: allows individuals, high school age or older, to meet one-to-one with a child at the Little's school for 30-60 minutes each week during or after school. Matches spending time doing homework, playing games or just talking. Note: A year commitment is required to be a School-Based Big. This past year, BBBSCI served 555 children through a dedicated and experienced network of volunteers, mentors and staff. A large percentage of the children served come from single-parent households.

Vision: To make a positive difference in the lives of our youth. Mission: Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Accountability: By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community, we are accountable for each child in our program achieving- *Higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships *Avoidance of risky behaviors *Educational success