BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF LEEDS AND GRENVILLE

Registered Name: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville

Business Number: 139220164RR0001

What we're working to address

We commit to the young people of Leeds and Grenville that we will be leaders in providing them with the highest quality, volunteer based mentoring programs.

Our Strategies

Each program deals with prevention and building resilience. Research indicates that by providing children and youth with positive role models, mentoring programs demonstrate to the children and youth involved that they are valued and possess the strength to overcome the obstacles they will undoubtedly face as they grow older. Mentoring also plays an important role in the future direction a child will decide to take later on in life, paving the way to a future full of possibilities.

Creating Change

Girls with a Big Sister are two and a half times more likely than girls without a mentor to be confident in their ability to be successful at school.

Boys with a Big Brother are three times less likely than boys without a mentor to suffer peer pressure related anxiety, such as worrying about what other children think or say about them.

Mentored boys are two times more likely to believe that school is fun and that doing well academically is important.

Mentored boys are also two times less likely than non-mentored boys to develop negative conducts like bullying, fighting, lying, cheating, losing their temper or expressing anger.

Mentoring is a solution to combat bullying – our mentoring programs improve a young person’s ability to connect with family and peers, which builds their resiliency, which guards against bullying. The benefits are far reaching, impacting not only the individual and their close circle, but also strengthening the community as a whole.

Healthy Development Depends on Healthy Relationships-Healthy relationships provide a strong foundation for school engagement and life-long adaptation.

Long-term Desired Outcome

Our mandate is to assist children and youth in need in Leeds and Grenville to achieve their full potential through mentoring programs with caring, responsible volunteers. The work of our agency and volunteers helps provide children with life lessons and experiences they would otherwise not be exposed to; and provides our volunteers with the experience of truly making a difference in the life of a child. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville is an accredited agency with high standards for child safety, committed to serving the children of Leeds and Grenville aged 6-16, by providing them with the highest quality, volunteer -based mentoring programs.

Our Programs

Big Brothers/Big Sisters Mentoring

Serving as role models, our mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and for having respect for family, peers and community.

In School Mentoring/Co-Op Mentoring

The program provides girls and boys with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with, within school grounds. For one hour a week, mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hang out in the playground.

Go Girls Group Mentoring

A group mentoring program for girls ages 12-14 that focuses on physical activity, balanced eating and self-esteem. The single, most important goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of young women and girls by helping them build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach their full potential in life.

Game On Group Mentoring

A group mentoring program for providing boys with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Participants are engaged in life skills, communication, heathly eating habits, and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles.

After School Program

Promotes physical activity, healthy eating, and helping children enhance their self-esteem, improve social skills and encourage long term education.

* Based on information the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides to CanadaHelps on a quarterly basis. Charities must file financial information within six months of the end of their fiscal year at the CRA. Charities may file more frequently. The Reporting Period End Date for the data presented is indicated in the chart.