"Start Something" Today with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Richmond VA

This is the battle cry for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Richmond. For various reasons, not all children have a mother and a father active in their lives. Big Brothers and Big Sisters is an organization that tries to help offset this void. They match men with young men and ladies with young ladies with the purpose of helping the young ones grow. I’m guessing it’s pretty fun for the adults too!

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Richmond offers two programs for the volunteers. One is called Community Based and the other is School Based. Community based programs are for one-on-one meetings to do fun things together. This may include listening to music, inspiring each other, hanging out and talking, going to a ballgame or taking a walk. School based programs take place in the child’s school. These activities will be determined by the administration. They may include working on homework, going outside to talk or play or just helping the child in class.

All of the studies that I have seen reveal a tremendous trend of success for a child who develops a relationship with a big brother or sister. The children improve in school and in their family relationships, are less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol and are less likely to skip school. They also improve in school. This all makes sense. Just imagine having a void in a certain adult relationship and then having that need met in a fun way!

Another way to help the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Richmond is by making a monetary donation. Either way- through volunteering or donating, there is a child waiting out there to take the next step. The stats are overwhelming and the success stories are heart wrenching. For example 67% of the program’s college graduates said their “Big” was a major influence in their decision to attend and stay. Take a look at the website http://www.bigbrobigsis.com/ to make a donation, look at volunteering opportunities or read the success stories.

Today is a good day to “start something!” Here is a wonderful program that gives you the opportunity to directly impact a child’s life. Extra Attic applauds the men and women who take time to be a big sister or big brother and those who donate their resources to the program.