Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami

The Big Brothers/Big Sisters program is based on a simple concept-friendship. Volunteers serve as friends and positive role models to children from single parent families. Single parents can provide plenty of love, but often they can't afford plenty of time. And time, quality time, is something kids can't do without.

In today's increasingly complex society, with its often confusing values and conflicting demands, the sensitivity and simplicity of a Big Brother/ Big Sister can help a child develop the self-confidence and self--esteem to grow into a healthy, productive adult. Our program has a proven track record of success in preventing kids from getting involved with drugs, crime and the juvenile justice system. Children who can benefit from the friendship of an adult volunteer come from all ethnic, racial and economic backgrounds, as do the children themselves. More than half of our current Little Brothers and Little Sisters are from families that are below the poverty level. These children, primarily from one parent families, are most vulnerable to the negative influences of their environment. From the ONE-TO-ONE matches, volunteers can help these youth envision themselves as having a happy and successful future.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami is the premier mentoring organization of South Florida, helping thousands of children each year through professionally supported, one-on-one relationships with caring adult volunteers. The Mentoring Resource Center (MRC) is a division of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami. Our goal is to provide a mentor for every child in need by collaborating and building the mentoring capacity of Miami-Dade County's child-serving agencies. MRC refers volunteers to over 40 member agencies and also provides the agencies with training and consultation services. It is the lead agency for America's Promise and the Governor's Mentoring Initiative.

"Our Children Are The Arrows That We Shoot Into The Future..."- Kahil Gibran

What is Big Brothers/Big Sisters?

a non-for-profit social service agency, affiliated with the United Way of Dade County-concerned with matching children in need of a one-on-one relationship with an adult who will serve as a friend and role model

Who are the Bigs?

volunteers who realize the important need to give our kids adult attention
people 18 and over who come from diverse socioeconomic, religious, racial and occupational backgrounds

There are various volunteer opportunities available, depending upon your schedule and lifestyle:

Project CARES: 2-3 hours a month working with kids awaiting Bigs.
Project SHARE: 1 monthly visit/weekly phone call to Hurricane affected families and kids.
T.A.G.S.: 1 hour weekly for school based tutoring/mentoring program. Work with middle school child, helping to learn inside and outside of the classroom.
Teen Connection: 3-5 hours/weekly-3 times a month. Women volunteers are needed to work with "at risk" adolescent girls.
Special Needs: 3-5 hours weekly/3 times a month. Working with a child who faces a physical challenge.
Big Brother/Big Sister: 3-5 hours/3 times a month. Be a friend and a role model to a child who needs your time and attention.

With one orientation meeting you can be on your way to actively shaping the future!

Littles are volunteers ranging from ages 5-15, and all matches are made on the basis of common interests, activities, and personalities. Professional caseworkers are assigned to all matches in order to provide support, guidance, and suggestions for the Littles' development. You are never alone at Big Brothers/ Big Sisters.

If you are unable to donate time, money can ensure the future of the program as a whole. From as little as twenty-five dollars you can fund more flexibility and support for our future.