Welcome
We support youth by creating life changing opportunities through mentorship
Join us in our mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa
OUR MISSION
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa, our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
OUR PROGRAMS
Looking to get involved? Whether you’re interested in enrolling your child, donating, or stepping up as a Big, we offer several types of programs to match what you're looking for.
Support Big Brothers Big Sisters
No matter how little or big the amount, your donation can create life-changing friendships in the lives of young people in our community.
Be a Big
Become a Big Today!
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves young people from age five through young adulthood in one-to-one mentoring friendships.
Bigs and Littles hang out every month for a few hours doing normal, everyday activities, like seeing a movie, doing homework, playing games, going out to eat, or just hanging out!
Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist who is always there to provide resources and support specific to the Little’s age. With a Big in their life, Littles in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow in their self-esteem, earn better grades, and develop a lifelong friendship with their Big.
Community Based Mentoring
Many relationships between Bigs & Littles are part of our community-based programs. These mentoring relationships involve one-on-one outings and activities, doing things the Big and Little enjoy together, like:
Taking a walk in the park
Going to museum
Going to an event hosted by BBBS
Listening to music
Hanging out and talking
Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends. Others get together with their Littles on weekdays. Each match is unique & develops a schedule that works for them.
School Based Mentoring
It may sound obvious, but sometimes the best place to help a child realize their potential is at school. Kids enjoy having their Lunch Buddies meet with them there, whether it’s in the classroom or on the playground. And parents know what a positive impact it makes.
Although it takes place at schools, our Lunch Buddies program isn’t limited to the classroom. Of course, some Littles do talk with their Bigs about class, or do homework, or read together, while others shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground. At the end of the day, it's really all about starting a friendship, providing guidance and inspiring them to reach their potential.