Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region

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.

In Community-Based Mentoring, Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers provide children and youth - our "Littles" - individualized time and attention on a regular basis, typically 2 - 4 times a month, for two to three hours. During unstructured weekly or bi-weekly outings, filled with conversations and shared activities, they develop a relationship that helps youth manage the every day challenges that are part of "growing up". During the time with their Big, children gain new skills, explore new interests and test behaviors that expand their experience base beyond their family or neighborhood. Over the course of time, children gain confidence in themselves, acquire new skills and competencies, and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others - all tasks that are a part of developing healthy maturity. Volunteers experience a sense of discovery and enjoyment as they see the world of possibility open up through the child's eyes.