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Donate Today!
Donating will help to:
-Recruit Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers
-Cover the costs of background checks and insurance
-Offer one on one, on-going supervision and support for every match
-Provide cultural and social activities for children
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.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 curriculum focuses on nutrition, physical activity, and gardening.
Athens County
- The Plains Elementary
- Athens High School
Vinton County
- Central Elementary
- Vinton County High School
Washington County
- Washington Elementary
- Marietta High School
Upcoming Events
2018 Washington County Bowl for Kids Sake
April 29 is our BFKS 2018! This event will take place at North Hills Lanes in Marietta, OH from 1-4pm
Come out and join us to support all programming within Athens, Meigs, Vinton and Washington County.
About Us
Our Staff
Executive Director
James Salzman
email: jim.salzman@bbbsathens.org
Program Director
Cytha Pierce
email: cytha.pierce@bbbsathens.org
Program Coordinator-Washington County
Willa O'Neill
email: willa.oneill@bbbsathens.org
Mission Statement
Our Mission at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens 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 County.
Start Something!
Do you remember a special person who brought excitement to the everyday, who broadened your horizons and put little moments of magic into 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 impact. A Big can help a Little discover a world of possibilities and opportunities simply by being a friend. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is something that almost anyone can do. Our volunteers consistently say that being part of a BBBS match is as enjoyable and fulfilling for them as it is for their Littles.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens 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.