But considerable numbers of youth in Eastern Missouri face economic, educational and social hardships that threaten their future. Over time, they may begin to feel insignificant and limited by their circumstances.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri, we show up for young people, facilitating the relationships that fuel their pursuit of a meaningful, stable, and independent life.
In partnership with parents and youth and a constellation of support from mentors, educators and community partners, youth can see what's possible—and they feel significant enough to achieve it. Let’s agree, success shouldn’t be situational.
5
Integrated
programs
9,228
Youth
actively served
Community
partners
When young people are surrounded by a network of people committed to their well-being:
- Self-esteem soars
- School attendance improves
- Risky behavior decreases
- Graduation rates climb
- Families thrive
With the support they desire and deserve, young people come to understand the future is theirs to define... and they feel confident enough to pursue it.
Big Brothers & Big Sisters - Youth matched with one adult
Big Couples & Big Families - Youth matched with a couple or family
ABCToday - K-12 school initiative
Big Futures - Coaching high school graduates and youth ages 18-25
Group Mentoring - Intensive support to 20 youth and families from an embedded mentor within designated schools, through hybrid mentorship and wraparound services
1:10 Mentoring - Community-based mentoring, focused on ages 10-14, combining intensive engagement with a mentor, peers, and wraparound services
There’s a difference between seeing someone as in-need and needy.
The young people we encounter every day have vast gifts and strengths. Some may also need help navigating significant obstacles, but that does not make them needy.
We are not just a “mentoring organization.”
While we offer one-to-one developmental mentoring in our Big/Little programs, that’s only one of the many relationships we cultivate. We bring caregivers, educators and service providers to the table—so youth and their families have all the support they deserve.
All young people matter—no matter what.
Many of the youth we serve experience daily challenges that threaten to limit their options. But regardless of their circumstances, youth matter. And so we relentlessly pursue possibilities so they can have every opportunity for a meaningful life.
The young people in our programs are not “troubled kids.”
They’re like us—they want a shot at a greater life. Participation in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ programs is entirely voluntary, and we aren’t on a mission to “fix” anything—or anyone. Our programs aren't prescriptive; every participant has a voice and a choice.
Everything we do is in partnership with parents.
Parents are the most significant influences in a young person’s life. Our role is to partner with—not take the place of—parents and other caregivers for the benefit of the youth we serve.
We meet youth where they are... literally.
We aren’t a facility where youth gather daily for programs and events. Rather, we’re a collection of people who engage with youth in their neighborhoods and schools. Outings and activities aren’t meant to “remove” young people from their circumstances; they’re only meant to broaden their view of what’s possible.