In our own lives, each of us was touched by someone - other than our parents - who broadened our horizons and brought a little magic into our lives. By becoming a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple in one of our programs, you can do the same for a child. And you will both be forever changed by the experience.

For over 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been placing a caring adult in the life of a child. That's what our unique approach to youth development is all about-and it works! Just think about it: Young adolescents saying no to drugs and alcohol, improving their school attendance, getting along better with their families and peers - all because they had Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples.

The Effectiveness of Our Programs

From 1993 to 1995, eight agencies of Big Brothers Big Sisters participated in a study conducted by the independent research firm Public/Private Ventures of Philadelphia. In the study, 959 youth participated, 480 of whom were matched for at least one year. Results showed that Little Brothers and Little Sisters who met with their "Big" regularly for a year were:

• 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs        
• 27% less likely to start drinking
• 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school
• 37% less likely to skip a class
• 33% less likely than their peers to hit someone

They were more trusting of their parents or guardians, less likely to lie to them, and felt more supported and less criticized by their peers and friends. As well, they earned higher grades and felt better about how they were doing in school.