Big Brothers Big Sisters
Serving Athens, Meigs, Vinton & Washington Counties
Support Our Cause
Enroll Your Child
Our mentoring programs are proven effective at influencing positive impacts in the lives of children. Learn More
Be a Mentor
Volunteer today! Make an impact in the lives of at-risk children in your community.
Donate Now
Help us continue our work in the community by donating to our organization. It's not just a donation, it's an investment into a child's future.
Golf For Kids' Sake 2018
The 9th Annual Golf for Kids' Sake: Golf Scramble and Raffle is here!
On September 9, 2018, we will be holding our 9th Annual Charity Golf Scramble & Raffle at Riverside Golf Course, Mason, West Virginia.
Last year, the course was filled with over 70 golfers and 20 dedicated volunteers and we are expecting an even BIGGER event this year!
Your support directly impacts local children who need our support. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides many important programs including:
- An after-school mentoring program at seven SE Ohio schools that engages over 140 students in weekly volunteer service and homework assistance.
- Free holiday gifts and birthday cards for Little Brothers and Little Sisters.
- Healthy summer activities including canoeing, camping, swimming, bowling, gardening, and attending local events.
- Free school supplies at our back-to-school picnic.
- Support for children who have lost a parent to incarceration.
- Training and supporting community mentors for vulnerable children in our community.
We hope you will consider sponsoring, donating a gift for our auction, or playing in the scramble. On behalf of the families and children we serve, thank you for your consideration!
Register to Play!
Form a team and play Golf to help the kids!
Team entry fee is $260 (for a 4-member team) or $65 per individual golfer.
Entry fee includes Green Fees, Cart, Lunch, Beverages, and Snacks.
Prizes:
1st Place - TBA
2nd Place - TBA
3rd Place - TBA
Help the Kids while having some golfing FUN!
Deadline for registration is on August 1, 2018.
Be a Sponsor!
We would be honored if you would consider sponsoring our 2018 Golf for Kids's Sake event and help us strengthen our programs and services for families in our community!
Click the link below to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
For more information, please contact Jim Salzman at 740-797-0037 or email at jim.salzman@bbbsathens.org or info@bbbsathens.org
Who We Are
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission at Big Brothers Bis Sisters is to make a positive difference in the lives of area youth through professionally supported relationships with mentors and volunteers.
Our vision is a mentoring relationship for every child who needs and wants one within Athens, Meigs, Vinton, & Washington counties.
Start Something!
Do you remember a special person who brought excitement to the everyday, who broadened your horizons and put little moments of magic in your life?
By becoming a supporting donor or volunteer mentor, you can do the same for a child, and you will both be forever changed by the experience!
Children need adults to help guide them through life's many obstacles.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters share everyday activities, expand horizons, and experience the joy in even the simplest events. Within these little moments lies the big magic that is shared between Bigs and Littles.
Professionals in youth development support these individual, responsible relationships. And national research has shown that the shared experiences between Bigs and Littles have a direct and lasting impacts.
A big can help a Little discover a world of possibilities and opportunities simply by being a friend.
Being a a Big Brother or Big Sister is something that almost anyone can do. Our volunteers consistently say that being a part of a BBBS match is as enjoyable and fulfilling for them, as it is for their Littles.
Serving the Southeast Ohio communities since 1986.
Big Brothers Big Sisters in Southeast Ohio has a rich history of nurturing friendships between caring adult volunteers and children. Since 1986, we have made a difference in the lives of thousands of Southeast Ohio youth through our mentoring programs.
Join this monumental effort to better Southeast Ohio's community and economy. By investing only one hour a week, you can change a child's life!
Our Impacts
"...having a Big to support you and be a role model for you is AWESOME!" -Little Sister Jailee
Researchers found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, the Little Brothers and Little Sisters, compared to those children not in our program were:
- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likeley to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 37% less likely to skip a class
- 33% less likely to hit someone
Our Programs
Community Based Programming
Children are matched with adult volunteers (Big Brothers, Big Sisters, or Big Couples) for a mentoring relationship that lasts for one year or longer. Bigs and Littles can be found in as many places as their mutual interests take them: soccer fields, fairs, libraries, theaters, kitchens, and backyards. Bigs and Littles have fun while forming a strong relationship that leads to positive outcomes for the child.
Our Littles
- 5-17 years old
- Residing in Athens, Washington, Vinton, or Meigs Counties
- Referred to Big Brothers Big Sisters by a school employee, social worker, or a parent/guardian
- Eager to spend 1-2 hours a week with a Big Brother or Big Sister
- Have the full support of the parent/guardian to participate in the program
Our Bigs
- Complete a thorough background check, an interview with a staff member, a home visit, and training
- Are 19 years of age or older
- Have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance
- Spend a minimum of 1-2 hours a week for one year (or longer!) with a child
- Are committed to improving the way children grow up in our community
Youth In Leadership
The Youth is Leadership School Mentoring Program pairs high school students with at-risk elementary students for a one-on-one mentoring relationship. All match meetings occur on school grounds, and are planned and supervised by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff members. Our curriculum focuses on nutrition, physical activity, and gardening.
During the 2016-2017 school year, over 90 students participated in the program, and high-school mentors collectively logged over 1,000 volunteer hours. Through the support of United Way Washington County, Ohio University Credit Union, the O'Bleness Foundation, we expanded our program to include Washington Elementary School in Marietta.
Our YIL Locations:
Athens County
- The Plains Elementary
- Athens High School
Vinton County
- Central Elementary
- Vinton County High School
Washington County
- Washington Elementary
- Marietta High School
Our Team
Executive Director
James Salzman
email: jim.salzman@bbbsathens.org
Program Coordinator
Willa O'Neill
email: willa_oneill@bbsathens.org
Interns & Community Work-Study Students
We also work alongside the Community Work-Study students from Ohio University, Interns, Practicum, and Independent Study students.
We provide flexible semester hours. Interested? Contact us to learn more!
