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  

 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
 

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, and in partnership with Live Healthy Appalachia we expanded our program to include Washington Elementary School in Marietta.
Our curriculum focuses on nutrition, physical activity, and gardening.
Schools Participating in 2016-2017

Athens County

• Alexander Elementary
• The Plains Elementary 
• Athens High School 
• Trimble Elementary
• Trimble High School
• Amesville Elementary 
• Federal Hocking High School 

Vinton County

• Central Elementary
• Vinton County High School 

Washington County

• Washington Elementary
• Marietta High School 

 The Amachi Program In Ohio there are over 56,000 children who have one or both parents incarcerated. The impact of losing so many Ohio mothers and fathers is profound. Initially, the child may be shuffled from one caregiver to another, or struggle with conflicted feelings about their parent, law enforcement, and their new caregiver. Not having a parent to provide guidance, support, and consistency can also lead to risky behaviors that may lead the child down the same path as the parent. Our hope, as an agency that serves children with incarcerated parents, is to support the child and his or her caregiver during and after the parent’s incarceration, and ultimately prevent the child from engaging in risky and criminal behaviors. AMACHI Ohio works to reduce this risk and guide these children in the right direction with the assistance of a mentor from the community. It is not the volunteer's job to fix problems and situations; it's an opportunity to help break the cycle of incarceration that plagues many families within our community.

For caregivers, mentors, and advocates of kids who have a parent in prison or jail we have a booklet available through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ohio, that provides help answering the difficult questions kids may ask about their loved one. If you would like free copies of this resource please contact our office.