Community Based Programs
 

This program matches adult mentors to children according to complimentary characteristics such as personality type, activity level and general lifestyle.  Our matches enjoy spending time hiking, going to the movies, picking up an ice-cream cone or joining the staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County at our monthly planned events.  When children are paired in a friendship with a caring Big Brother or Big Sister, research shows that they develop a more positive self-concept, increase school performance and improve relationships with peers and adults.

What is a Big Brother or Big Sister?

• The older friend or role model all young children deserve.
• The guy who showed you how to throw a curve ball, fly a paper airplane, build a model or change your oil.
• The woman who taught you about confidence and independence, who baked cookies with you and took you on hikes.
• A listener, someone who truly cares about people and is sensitive to the needs and circumstance of others.
• Someone who believes in others’ capabilities and that every child deserves a chance at success.
• Someone who knows how to have fun, but also can help inspire a child to academic and life achievements.
• A Big Brother or Big Sister is who you wanted to be when you were a kid.

What does it mean to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?

• You will be matched 1-to-1 with a deserving child.
• By being a friend, you can have a positive impact that may change your Little’s life for the better, forever, and help them discover who they are and who they want to be.
• It means you will have a younger friend who probably wants to be like you.
• It means that you got off the couch and are doing something that matters!

Does it really make a difference?

A 2009 study conducted by Harris Interactive® on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters found that adults who were matched for at least one year as children report that having a Big Brother or Big Sister played an integral role in who they are today by positively influencing their self-confidence, providing stability, changing their perspective on life and pushing them to set higher goals.  

• 90 percent agreed their Big made them feel better about themselves;
• 90 percent said their Big provided stability when they needed it;
• 81 percent said their Big helped change their perspective on life;
• 77 percent said they set higher goals than they would have on their own because of their Big;
• 77 percent reported doing better in school because of their Big;
• 65 percent agreed their Big helped them reach a higher level of education than they thought possible;
• 52 percent agreed their Big kept them from dropping out of high school;
• 90 percent said their relationship with their Big helped them make better choices throughout their childhood;
• 86 percent said their relationship with their Big has helped them make better choices throughout their adult life; and
• 76 percent said they learned right from wrong from their Big.

What our Littles Say

In a 2010 study, Untapped Potential: Fulfilling the Promise of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Bigs and Littles They Represent, Civic Enterprises found:  

• Despite the barriers they face, 94 percent of Littles said they have a lot or some confidence they will achieve their goals;
• 93 percent of Littles said to have adults who care and look out for them is very important to helping them achieve their goals;
• 80 percent of Littles said they feel their Bigs help them a lot;
• 97 percent of Littles said working hard in school is very important;
• 95 percent of Littles said going to school and getting a good education is very important; and
• 94 percent of Littles said graduating from college is very important. (1)

Note (1): Civic Enterprises, and Peter D. Hart Research Associates. Untapped Potential: Fulfilling the Promise of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Bigs and Littles They Represent. Rep. Washington, DC: Civic Enterprises, 2010. Print. “Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters,” Public/Private Ventures, Philadelphia, 1995.

What Nationwide Research Says

According to a nationwide study of Big Brothers Big Sisters conducted by Public/Private Ventures, a Philadelphia-based national research organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ one-to-one matches play a powerful role in influencing youth behavior because of the organization’s unique approach to mentoring. Public/Private Ventures also found that Big Brothers Big Sisters matches consistently spend more time together and continue as a match for longer periods than other mentoring programs.

This research revealed that youth involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ one-to-one mentoring program are:  

• 46% less likely to use illegal drugs;
• 27% less likely to start drinking alcohol;
• 52% less likely to skip school;
• 31% less likely to hit someone; and
• 70% more likely to improve in caring and social behaviors.

Does it make a difference? YES!  

If you would like to become a Big Brother or Big Sisters, please print and complete the Volunteer Enrollment Packet and return to:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County
137 Main Street 
Kalispell MT 59901

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Greetings and thank you for your interest in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County

 Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever...

 We match “Bigs” with “Littles” ages 6-14 according to personal characteristics, activity level, and recreational interests.  The application process for Littles includes a parent interview, a separate child interview, personal safety education for the child, and an evaluation from the child’s teacher.  Once a match is completed, we offer professional support for Bigs, Littles, and the Little’s family, to make sure the match is working well, and is beneficial to all involved.

 To get your child started, please complete the Little Enrollment Packet and return to:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County
137 Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901

Once we receive your paperwork, a member of our staff will contact you to schedule interviews for you and your child.  Please understand that, at this time, we have a considerable waiting list, and that it will take some time for us to find a match for your child.  However, it’s best to get your child’s enrollment complete, so your child will be ready to be matched when the right volunteer does come along.

 We are glad to have the opportunity to help you support your child.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 752-0092. 

 *Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteers are not specifically trained in counseling or behavior management.  For this reason, children who are currently receiving therapeutic services, counseling, or medication for emotional, psychological, or behavior management issues will be considered on an individual basis to ensure their needs are properly met..

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