A leader in youth mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Springfield helps Clark, Madison and Champaign County youth develop the foundational character strengths they need to reach high school graduation and post-secondary/career success. They serves children through our one-to-one community-based and school-based programs. Big Brothers Big Sisters is always looking for volunteers who are eager to positively impact a child and improve our community at the same time.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Springfield serves Clark County youth who are between the ages of 5 and 18 (with a focus on ages 10-12), and in Madison County children who are between the ages of 9 and 12. Many of the children live in low-income, single-parent homes with few support systems. According to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey, 11,000 children in Clark County and 1,400 in Madison County children (36% and 16% of the total population respectively) are living in poverty, and more than 7,600 in Clark County and 2,300 Madison County children (25% in both) are growing up in a single-parent home. 38% of the students in the London City Schools, 45% in the Jefferson Local Schools and 100% of the students in Springfield City Schools are considered economically disadvantaged.
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children with positive mentoring relationships that help youth develop trust, build their self-confidence and increase their social-emotional skills. These developmental assets help youth graduate from high school well-prepared to succeed in their chosen college/career path. Youth benefit greatly from an adult or older youth to mentor them. A mentor is someone who can be a friend, listen to the child's concerns and guide them towards a brighter future.
United Way is proud to fund an agency that is making such an impact in the community of Clark and Madison Counties. If you are interested in learning more about, or getting involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Springfield visit their
website
or call
(937) 390-9900
.
