Bbbsnantucket.org
Title
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nantucket | Making a Big Difference, One Child at a Time!
Description
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally supported One-to-One relationship with a caring adult; and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent and caring individuals, by providing committed volunteers, national leadership and standards of excellence.
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Nantucket, a satellite of BBBS of America, the oldest one-to-one mentoring agency in the country, raises ALL of its funds on Nantucket through fundraising events and local donations. All monies raised stay on Nantucket to provide program support and educational and recreational opportunities, such as summer camp, for 47 children from 35 island families. At present, nearly 30 children have volunteer mentors. The children who are unmatched can participate in a fun and healthy activity program while waiting for their perfect "Big" to volunteer. The program continues to grow, as more and more children need an advocate. A mentor, a "Big," can be an important adjunct for a child at risk by providing an increased sense of belonging, and by reinforcing communication skills, teamwork, community service and relationship building. In the fall of 2000, BBBS added a new program, Early Bird Breakfast Buddies, in collaboration with the Community School. High school seniors meet their elementary school "Breakfast Buddy" twice a week for breakfast, board games and conversation at the NES cafeteria. There are 35 matches and an additional 30 children who participate in this program every week.
