Agency - Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Bath/Brunswick

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation?s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (?Bigs?) and children (?Littles?). We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

Description:
We are a non-profit agency that provides support to youth facing adversity in Brunswick, Harpswell and all of Sagadahoc County through Community-Based and School-Based mentoring programs. In the Community Program, ?Bigs? spend between 8-12 hours per month with their ?Littles,? and commit at least one year to developing a relationship. This program offers flexibility to share a variety of activities with a child during times that fit into your schedule.
In the School Program, ?Bigs? meet with their ?Littles? typically for 45 minutes the same day and time once per week. Activities include playing games, helping with homework, talking, and sharing hobbies and interests. This is a minimum of one school-year commitment, and there is no contact with the child outside of the school.

National research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children's lives. This independent research found that Littles, when compared to their non-mentored peers are:
52% less likely to skip school
46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
33% less likely to hit someone

Mentors help children achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence and educational success. Volunteering just a few hours a month can start something amazing for a child in your community.

History:
Our agency originally opened its doors in July of 1981. At that time the agency only served children in Brunswick. In April of 1994 the agency became a full member affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and now serve approximately 200 children each year in Brunswick, Harpswell and Sagadahoc County.

Contact people:

Lindsay MacDonald, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Aurora Hodgkins, Program Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

85 Maine Street Brunswick, ME 04011 (See a map)

Miscellaneous Information

Will you take volunteers that must do court ordered community service?
	No
Will you take youth volunteers that are 11-15 years old?
	No
Will you take youth volunteers 16-18 years old?
	Yes
This agency has United Way funded programs
	Yes
The agency places volunteers in these categories:
	ages 15 - 18, Adults