Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest

Big Brothers Big Sisters works to help boys and girls achieve their potential through positive adult relationships. A volunteer does not need any special skills to be a Big Brother or Big Sister. They only need to be interested in sharing special moments with a child. Just by sharing experiences, celebrating accomplishments, and listening to a child's concerns, a Big Brother or Big Sister can make a difference to a child.

Youth ages 6-16 will benefit from a one-to-one friendship with a positive adult. Ninety percent live with a single parent or relative.

A recent study conducted by a national research firm examined the impact of our program on youth and found that when compared to their peers, Little Brothers and Little Sisters who met with their Big Brothers or Sisters for at least one year were:

46% less likely to start using drugs;
27% less likely to start drinking;
33% less likely to act violently;
52% less likely to skip a day of school, and earned higher grades.

Almost across the board these outcomes are higher for minority youth. For example:

Minority boys are 67% less likely to start using drugs; and
Minority girls are 72% less likely to start using drugs.