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Programs

Community-Based Program
An adult volunteer from the community is matched with a child who, due to family or environmental factors, could greatly benefit from the additional support and guidance a mentor provides. By spending consistent time together, a meaningful friendship blossoms promoting positive growth and development for the child.

BBBSLI additionally provides a specialized program for children who have a brother or sister with special needs. Siblings of special needs children are matched with a volunteer mentor who provides the one-to-one attention they may need.

Study results showed that a Big Brother or Big Sister made a real difference. Children who met regularly with their “Bigs” are:

46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
27% less likely to start drinking
52% less likely to skip school
More confident about school work
Have better relationships with their parents and peers

Within the Community-Based Program there are various programs which focus on children who have more specific needs:

* Well Red Kids
* Holiday for Kids Sake


Well Red Kids
"Well Red Kids" is a program designed to inspire a love of reading among our Little Brothers and Little Sisters. Well Red Kids provides our matches with free books several times a year and encourages them to read and learn together. An integral part of their growth and development, reading provides kids with new ways of looking at the world and motivates them to seek out new experiences. This program was founded by Redpoint Marketing PR, Inc., a long-time supporter of our agency's mission.

Holiday for Kids Sake
This program is a special outreach to financially challenged families during the holiday season. The goal is to alleviate the added burden that this season can put on a family that is already struggling. Through this program, each family receives gifts for each child, plus food for a special dinner and other essential items.


School-Based Program
High School and College Students mentor younger students through School-Based Programs. The goals of the School-based Mentoring Program are to improve school attendance and performance, decrease anti-social behaviors including substance abuse, irresponsible sexual activity and disrespectful and aggressive behavior. High School students, ages 16 or older, are matched on a one-to-one basis to elementary or middle school students. The matches meet weekly and do homework as well as other activities such as sports and arts and crafts. Presently there are programs in Sag Harbor, Hampton Bays, Riverhead, Westhampton Beach and Southampton.

There is a college program at Hofstra University/Walnut Street Elementary. This program differs from High School programs in that it is designed to demonstrate what college life is like and introduce the possibilities that lie ahead.

Teachers, parents, and volunteer mentors observed the following for the students in the program:

64% developed more positive attitudes toward school
58% achieved higher grades in social studies, languages, and math
60% improved relationships with adults
56% improved relationship with peers
55% were better able to express their feelings
64% developed higher levels of self-confidence
62% were more likely to trust their teachers