Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the largest and most successful national network of mentoring organizations serving children, their families, and communities.
What is your mission?
To help children in southwest Virginia reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships that provide measurable impact.
What is a "Big"?
Bigs are our volunteers. Bigs are men and women who are at least 16 years old (18 for community-based program) and have the desire to bring little moments of BIG magic into a child's life. Big Brothers and Big Sisters offer friendship and support to their Little Brothers and Little Sisters on a one-to-one basis.
Who are "Littles"?
Little Brothers and Little Sisters come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds and live in most cities and towns of Roanoke and the New River Valley. They are between the ages of 6 and 12 when they are first matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister.
What do "Bigs" and "Littles" do together?
Bigs and Littles share everyday activities: playing sports, seeing movies, cooking, going over schoolwork, visiting museums, washing the car, taking walks, volunteering in their communities, or just hanging out. Youth development experts agree that, in addition to their parents, children need additional supportive, caring adults in their lives
What is the weekly time commitment I need to make as a Big?
As a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple or Big Family matched in the community-based program, you get to decide your own schedule with your Little Brother or Little Sister. The days and time you spend with your Little are up to you. We only ask that you maintain regular contact with your Little and spend two or three hours with him or her every week to ten days. All site-based volunteers have a set day and time (1 hour per week) in which they meet with their Littles.
I don't know much about kids, is that okay?
Absolutely. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are not babysitters or parents - they're friends. And behind the scenes you'll have a Match Support Specialist to give you help whenever you need it.
Do I have to be young or athletic to be matched?
No. You'll be matched with a child who shares your interests, and a number of children do not have a strong interest in sports. Senior citizens make great volunteers, too. In fact, one of our most active community-based volunteers is 84 years old. Many of our children don't have regular contact with their extended families, so spending time with an older volunteer is almost as good as spending time with a grandparent.
Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer?
No. The idea is not to spend a lot of money, but to spend fun, quality time with your Little Brother or Little Sister. There are many no cost activities which you can enjoy such as going for a walk, playing catch, or just talking. In addition, the agency schedules periodic free or low cost match activities which we encourage you to attend and provides match membership cards which provide discounts at a number of area businesses and restaurants.
Do Bigs really make a difference?
That's the magic of the program. While you're having fun with your Little you probably won't realize the tremendous difference you are making. Statistics from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Impact Study, conducted by the national research firm Public/Private Ventures, showed that Little Brothers and Little Sisters were
* 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
* 27% less likely to start drinking alcoholic beverages
* 52% less likely to skip a day of school and 37%less likely to skip a class
* 33% less likely to hit someone
* and generally were engaged in better relationships with their parents and peers.
Why should I sign up to become a Big?
For a few hours a month you get to be a kid again and not have to worry about your job, classes, or bills! Even better, you'll make a BIG difference in your community and in the life of a kid. Both of you will benefit from being matched - it's a WIN-WIN situation.
Where does the money come from to operate your program?
Our primary charitable gifts come from individuals, corporations, foundations, and the United Way. Though we are affiliated with a national organization, financial support comes from local donors.
If you're a United Way partner agency, why do you still need my donation?
While we're grateful for our partnership with the United Way, we receive less than 30% of our $500,000 annual operating budget from United Way contributions.
How can I make a gift?
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers many ways for you to financially support our youth. You can make a gift by check, cash, or credit card payment. We also welcome gifts of stock as well as in-kind donations. Contact us at jhouse@bigslittles.org for more information. Remember us, too, if you are considering planned giving or a charitable bequest.
Are my gifts tax-deductible?
In most cases, donations made to our agency are tax-deductible. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Do you have any special events or fundraisers?
Our largest annual event is Bowl For Kids' Sake which provides over 10% of our budget. We also conduct several smaller fundraisers throughout the year.
Is there a certified audit of funds?
Yes. An independent firm audits Big Brothers Big Sisters' financials annually.
