Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County

We are proud to carry out the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to serve children and families in Hampshire County.

Having a Mentor Makes a Big Difference

Kids today need mentors now more than ever. Whether they live with one parent, two parents, guardians or grandparents, having a mentor can be an important resource for kids from all backgrounds to help build upon their skills and foster their potential.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County (BBBSHC) helps families make these important connections and gain access to vital resources by matching adult volunteers (“Bigs”) with kids ages 6 to 18 (“Littles”). Through these meaningful one-to-one mentoring matches, we help children build their futures and strengthen communities. Together with parents/guardians, volunteer mentors, and our partners in the community, our professional Case Managers support young people as they develop positive relationships with a transformative impact.

Whether you get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as a donor, a Big, an event sponsor, an Advisory Board member, or advocate you will make a positive impact in your community and get back as much as you give.

 

Mission:

Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

 

United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region is committed to improving the health and safety of our community by strengthening the physical, social and emotional well-being of all individuals and is a proud supporter of our program.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County

Please click below to email us for information about programs, services, subscribing to our newsletter, and more. You can also click to donate and help support one-to-one mentoring today!

May 5, 2024

Big Brothers Big Sisters 14th Annual Daffodil Run 5k/10k

CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County will hold the 14th Annual Daffodil Run in person at the Amherst Town Common, Amherst, MA 01002
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Programs:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County draws upon the goals and program model of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to develop programs that meet the needs of our community. We create and support one-to-one mentoring matches between young people (Littles) ages 6 – 14 and mentors (Bigs) in the following programs.

SITE-BASED PROGRAMS

Available in Amherst, Northampton, and South Hadley, our site-based programs bring young people to college campuses once a week to meet one-to-one with their college student Bigs. These matches meet for at least three semesters, and stay in touch virtually during college breaks.

COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS

Our community-based programs match young people with Bigs from their community. These matches get together 2-4 times per month, engaging in activities that are fun, relationship-building, and that help them to grow.

Case Managers work with volunteers, families and young people to identify which program is right for them. We have a thorough screening process for volunteers to ensure the safety of the young people in our program. Matches between Bigs and Littles are made based on location, personalities, interests, and goals, and receive ongoing support throughout their duration. Our Case Managers work closely with Littles’ families and partners in the community to make referrals for additional services as needed.

To refer a young person or learn more about volunteering as a Big, contact us at [email protected].

Get Involved

Volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County

Our mentors provide new opportunities for positive change in a child’s life.

Donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, it is the time from our mentors and the gifts from our donors that come together to transform the lives of children.

Young people who have a mentor are:

  • 130% more likely to hold leadership positions
  • 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
  • 55% more likely to enroll in college
  • 46% less likely to use drugs and
  • 27% less likely to use alcohol