Frequently Asked Questions

What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States. Trained professionals recruit, screen, match and support Big and Little Brothers and Sisters through a network of 470 agencies throughout the country. The Northwest Arkansas agency is proud to be one of them. These one-to-one mentoring relations between caring adults and children have documented positive outcomes for the children.

How many children do you serve?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas has been serving children for 10 years. During that time we have matched over 600 local children to dedicated mentors who have made a lasting impact on their lives. Volunteers and community leaders help support BBBS by continuing to donate their time, talent and resources to aid us in our mission. National in 2004, BBBS celebrated it's 100th year in making a powerful difference in children's lives. Today, National Big Brothers Big Sisters serves over 220,000 children.

How did Big Brothers Big Sisters get started?

Several Big Brothers Big Sisters initiatives were started in the beginning of the 20th century. These included one serving girls in New York City and one in Cincinnati, Ohio serving boys. The initiative that the current-day Big Brothers Big Sisters organization traces its roots to began in New York in 1904. Ernest Coulter, a clerk of the Juvenile Court, was appalled by the suffering of the thousands of children who repeatedly came through the court system. At a meeting of the civic and business leaders on December 3, 1904, Coulter appealed to the 39 men present to take on the role of "Big Brother." All 39 men stepped forward, creating the first Big Brothers organization. In the decades to follow, Big Brothers Big Sisters became the leading youth mentoring organization in the United States.

Who are Big Brothers and Big Sisters?

Big Brothers and Big Sisters are all kinds of people including high school and college students, business persons and retirees. There are Big Couples and Big Families as well. Bigs are just ordinary people spending their time making a lasting impact on a child. Bigs sometimes spend as little as one hour each week with a child in need.

Who are Little's?

In Northwest Arkansas Littles are youths, ages six to fourteen, who come to Big Brothers Big Sisters either though a parent, teacher or guardian. We primarily serve children who lack the involvement and support of both parents in their home.

How is Big Brothers Big Sisters different from other mentoring programs?

Big Brothers Big Sisters is both the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the country. It is recognized in the mentoring community as having the premier system for recruiting, matching and supporting Big and Little Brothers and Sisters. Another distinguishing feature is that Big Brothers Big Sisters measures the outcomes of each match.

Have the benefits of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program been studied?

Yes. Studies have indicated the following results. Students who have been in the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are:

46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs.

27% less likely to begin using alcohol.

52% less likely to skip school.

37% less likely to skip class.

One-third less likely to hit someone, and

They get along better with their family members.

How much does it cost to make a match?

Although it can vary from state to state, it costs on average a $1,000 per match made.