WHO WE ARE
In 1902 the ladies of charity founded the nationwide Big Sister movement by pioneering a program for vulnerable girls and families involved in the New York Children’s Court. Now serving both boys and girls, Bigs & Littles NYC Mentoring has been critical in uniting NYC communities and uplifting children and families across the city for over 120 years.
MISSION
Founded in 1902, Bigs & Littles NYC Mentoring strives to transform the lives of children through one-to-one mentoring, while strengthening entire families in hardship.
VISION
A city in which all young people are empowered to recognize, reach for and achieve their full potential.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Unlike other mentoring programs, Bigs & Littles NYC offers intensive support for parents, predominantly single mothers, significantly enhancing the prospects for both short-term and long-term success for youth and families. Our programs include Community-Based Mentoring, Corporate Site-based Mentoring (World of Work), and year-round Life Skills Programming. Our latest initiatives include the Mentoring Moms & Dads Program, where parents are paired with mentors.
Our Programs
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To ensure successful mentoring relationships, we implement a rigorous screening process for all participants. Additionally, intensive mentor training encompasses relationship building, communication skills, and youth support strategies. Once matched, mentors also receive ongoing guidance and resources from our Program Managers to help relationships thrive.
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Corporations have the opportunity to sponsor 10 employees to participate as Big Brothers and Big Sisters in our World of Work (WOW) site-based and hybrid programs. High school students are paired with mentors in a one-to-one relationship. Additionally, corporations will host group events 2-3 times a year, bringing together their cohort of matches to learn 21st-century skills, with a strong emphasis on workplace exposure and career preparation. Our current corporate partners include Good Apple and JPMorgan.
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We know that a child is only as healthy as his or her family. This groundbreaking program is the first of its kind, offering both a mentor to the child and to the mother/father simultaneously, ultimately strengthening youth and family outcomes. Matches meet independently within the community, participating in a professionally guided 1:1 relationship. Single moms and dads are matched with their own caring mentors–who provide a listening ear, friendship, and support as moms navigate through parenthood and work together toward personal, career and relationship goal achievement
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Our year-round Life Skills Programming equips youth with essential skills for life's challenges, covering topics from financial literacy to academic, health and wellness, socio-emotional life skills, ensuring our Littles are well-prepared for their futures.
Nearly all the youth we serve will be the first in their families to attend college. At Bigs & Littles NYC, we believe that college preparation should start early, beginning with Littles as young as seven. We immerse youth and their parents in a college-going culture, focusing on concrete steps to ensure post-secondary access and success. As Littles approach college entry, we support graduating seniors in successfully navigating their critical first year of college or vocational training, ensuring persistence. Our targeted support helps students and families manage these transitional years, with a special emphasis on self-advocacy. Additionally, we offer financial assistance through the Ingrid Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Bigs & Littles NYC Mentoring is proud to exemplify the Whole Family Approach to mentoring and are part of the family strengthening network of organizations supported by the Pascale Sykes Foundation.