Big Brothers Big Sisters

BY ALYSSA AND ZOE

History
Irvin F. Westheimer on July 4th, 1903 saw a boy looking through a garbage
can and became his big brother. He encouraged his friends to do the
same. It was originally called Big Brothers of BC then it became Big Brothers
of Greater Vancouver in 1972.
Overview
Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver is a registered charity and community-
based organization that has been running in the Lower Mainland since
1957. they have mentoring programs for boys and girls and also provide
volunteer opportunities. Before they matched little boys who had little or
no contact with their father with adult males. Now they have many
different types of programs to suit the diversity of the communities. Big
Brothers embodies the principles of diversity and welcomes participants
regardless of race, religion, culture or sexual orientation.
Mission and Vision
We enhance childrens social and emotional development by delivering
and advocating for the highest quality, prevention-based mentoring
programs.
To put a mentor in the life of every child who needs one.
Services provided
In school mentoring program- matches a volunteer with a child in a
nearby elementary school. They meet up one hour each week during
school hours on school grounds engaging in activities or just hanging out
together.
Go girls- helps girls learn how to maintain a healthy active lifestyle,
enhances competence, confidence and self esteem. And it also builds
leadership and life skills.
Game on- mentor approach to provide boys with information and support
to make inform choices about healthy lifestyle practice. It is a 8 week
program designed to provide mentors an opportunity to openly discuss
current and pressing issues facing boys and young men through the lens of
healthy living.

Values
Safety -The safety of the community we serve is the ultimate foundation of
our agency.
Service -We are flexible and responsive in serving the changing needs of
our communities.
Integrity -We are committed to maintaining the highest possible standards
in our work with the families, volunteers and partners.
Inclusivity- We respect our environment of diversity and deliver programs
accordingly.
Compassion- Our work is rooted in caring and understanding.
Passion - We are enthusiastic about and dedicated to our work
Funds
A lot of their money has came from fundraisers, businesses, service clubs
and Federal and local government also funds Big Brothers Big Sisters.
If they got the grant they would spend it on supplies, games, crafts, stuff to
supply activities for the mentors and the kids.
They could also get a bigger program space and hire more staff.
Little Brother Peyton and Big Brother
Chris
Tabitha, Peyton's mother, was hoping to find her son a positive roll model
so she enrolled him into Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Chris the Big Brother
spends all the time he can with Peyton. One of their most recent
adventures was to the Vancouver Train Tracks. Tabitha has witnessed the
growth in their friendship between Peyton and Chris and their ability to
learn from each other. She said that Chris has made such a positive
influence of Peyton.
Benefits of mentoring
64% developed more positive attitudes toward school
64% developed higher levels of self-confidence
62% were more likely to trust their teachers
60% improved relationships with adults
58% achieved higher grades in social sciences, languages and math
56% improved relationships with peers
55% were better able to express their feelings
Plans for future
They are hoping to start new mentoring programs:
Tutoring program- would be in partnership with Quest. Quest students
would help tutor elementary kids.
Sports program- would be in partnership with various sports
organizations around town. Would be for kids who cant afford to play
organized sports.
This is dependant on extra funding.
Community help
Currently, over 33,000 children are matched with volunteers in our
mentoring programs in all of Canada.
Amount of kids they have helped
They had about 150 kids being mentored this year and next year they
would like to try and help at least 35 more