Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida has been serving the local community since 1975. The mission of the program is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one relationships by developing the emotional, social, educational, and physical well being of the child.
Last year in 2003-2004, we served 662 children in Central Florida. Currently, we have over 175 children waiting for a Big in Brevard county.
The Littles in our program can be served in two ways:
The Community Based Program
The most traditional of the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, children ages 6-14 are matched with adult volunteers who spend time with them in the community. Activities often include going to the park, movies, picnics, sporting events, and other BBBS organized events. The role of the volunteer is to provide a strong role model and friendship to the child. Ongoing support is provided by BBBS. We ask for a one year commitment from both our Bigs and our Littles.
School & Site Based Program
This program is for students in grades K-8 in need of academic support. Volunteers (over age 16) meet with their students once a week for 1 hour at the designated site. The first half hour is devoted to academic support by assisting with homework, schoolwork, or studying. The second half hour is dedicated to developing social skill and emotional support by talking, playing games, or having lunch. The role of the volunteer is to serve as both a positive role model and a friend. We ask for a commitment to a school year with the Little with the option of rolling over to the next year.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is always seeking out volunteers for both programs, especially Big Brothers. The majority of our requests come from the single mothers of boys. The children in the program want to be in the program and are waiting to meet their Bigs. At this moment, in Brevard County, there are 106 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister in the Community Based program, and another 88 children waiting in the School Based program. Most of these children are boys.
All it takes to make a difference in the life of one child is one hour a week.
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about our program, please contact us at: (321) 724-0237
Our office is located at: 2450 Minton Road in West Melbourne, FL 32904. Visit www.bbbscfl.org or email MGMurphy@bbbscfl.org
Mary Grace Murphy is President and CEO of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Brevard.