WHAT WE ACHIEVE
Imagine how amazing it would be if every child had the opportunity to fulfill his or her individual potential….
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a strong and effective organization that is focused on providing that opportunity. This is good for the child, and it is good for our community. Through proven programs and initiatives, we mentor, nurture, and empower children who are facing adversities and difficulties, to succeed and realize what is possible for each of them. And a stronger child becomes a stronger adult in a stronger community.
We are already doing great work, but we are committed to getting even better by responding more closely to our local communities’ needs.
To achieve greater impact, the following focus areas were determined to be natural expansions of the seven child outcome categories we currently measure and are being incorporated into our core mentoring programs.....
Literacy
"Building Greater Worlds"
In 2014, The United Way of Westmoreland County released their three-year strategic plan with an educational/community level goal aiming that “88% of students are reading at grade level by the end of third grade in Westmoreland County.”
In response to this growing issue, BBBSLR is adapting existing School-Based Mentoring Programs to provide more literacy-focused mentoring sessions. Although still in its infancy stages of development, the new “READ TO SUCCEED” programs have several clear-cut goals targeted for literacy improvement as Big Brother/Big Sister mentors work together with their Little Brothers/Little Sisters on reading selected, age-appropriate and developmentally-appropriate books for at least 20-30 minutes during their weekly mentoring sessions.
S.T.E.A.M. Education
"Building Solid Foundations"
S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) represents a paradigm shift from traditional education philosophy, based on standardized test scores, to a modern ideal which focuses on valuing the learning process as much as the results.
BBBSLR is strengthening our Community-Based Mentoring Programs by facilitating S.T.E.A.M. access and experiences to Bigs and Littles through engaging projects and hands-on activities, daring our Littles to attempt something new, make mistakes, try multiple ideas, listen to alternative options, and create a knowledge base that is applicable to real life as opposed to simply an exam.
By building grit and perseverance, creativity and innovation, and collaboration and teamwork – all skills critical to success –projects/activities aim to increase post-graduation and career readiness, ultimately preparing participating Littles to realize the bright futures they deserve.
Self-Actualization
"Building Better Opportunities"
“Self-actualization” represents a concept derived from Humanistic psychological theory and represents growth of an individual toward fulfillment of the highest needs; the achievement of one's full potential through creativity, independence, spontaneity, and a grasp of the real world.
Based on the process of establishing oneself as a whole person, developing one’s ability, and understanding and accepting one’s true self through the ability to self-assess in a realistic and positive manner, Bigs and Littles in the Community-Based Mentoring Programs will work together in focused learning activities which enable Littles to take full advantage of his or her talents while still being mindful of his or her limitations.
Because self-actualization involves a strong sense of purpose and self-awareness, Littles will consistently be challenged to concentrate on individual strengths, take an independent view on actions, and see situations and challenges more objectively.
Why Mentor?
Be a part of something big
By becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can be that special person in the life of a child.
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Proven Impact
Mentors Make a Difference
Since its inception in 1975, Big Brothers Big Sisters have received many positive reports and testimonials describing how lives have improved through our programs and services.
Having a mentor matters
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