Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri’s relationship model, known as 4:1+1, engages the most significant adults in a Little’s life—parent, teacher, Big Brother or Big Sister and professional program staff to ensure the Little is surrounded by the people who care about them the most. Each adult has an important relationship and a distinct role that offers Littles encouragement and support. This wouldn’t be possible without their “Sixth Members” on the team—the donor!We’ll Be There is the agency’s promise to Little Brothers and Little Sisters. Bigs in conjunction with the agency do not …

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of more than 700,000 volunteers in the area, St. Louis has been ranked 10th out of all major cities across the country in its volunteer rate. According to annual research from Volunteering in America, more than 31.3 percent of St. Louis residents donate their time to volunteer work. This, of course, comes as no surprise to the team at Big Brothers Big Sisters. The agency has always relied on the generous contributions of its volunteers. In 2011, nearly 2,800 volunteers will assist Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri in carrying out its mission …

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is introducing two new ways to become involved in the life of a child. The Couples for Kids and Fifty and Better programs work to create valuable partnerships with those who might not otherwise imagine themselves fitting into the traditional mentoring model. Couples for Kids encourages married couples to enrich their lives by spending time together while giving a child the gift of friendship. The program pairs couples with a child in a unique friendship that can help to broaden the life of a child and provide much needed guidance and support. …

Nicholas, an eighth-grader in St. Louis Public Schools, smiles with his whole face as he describes his relationship with his Big Brother, Ben. Nick and Ben have been matched for more than five years now, and it is not hard to see the impact that their friendship has had.  Nick remembers meeting Ben when he was just a third-grader. “I wasn’t nervous,” Nick said. “No, I felt like I knew him right away.” Since that moment, Nick and Ben have gotten to know each another over homework assignments, video games and lots and lots of basketball. Now, five years later, Nick has a friend he knows he can …

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we know that relationships have the power to change and transform lives. With this in mind, we built a relationship model that leverages the most significant adults in a Little’s life—their parents, teachers, Big Brothers or Big Sisters, donors, and our professional program staff—to open the doors of communication and foster the growth of trusting relationships. This model puts the child at the center and highlights the critical but different roles of the team of adults united on the child's behalf. As part of this team, the Big takes on a very special role as not…

With temperatures soaring, it is hard to believe that summer is almost winding to an end. But at Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re gearing up for back-to-school season. In just over three weeks, it will be time for our Littles to set their alarms, pack up their backpacks and head to school.  Back to school has always been a big focus at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each year, our annual school supply fair helps make sure our Littles are equipped with the tools they need for success in the classroom. In addition, we encourage our Bigs to make reminder calls the night before school starts to ensure …

Two weeks ago, over pizza, I asked a simple question, but it was one I hadn’t asked in years. "Do you want to spend the night at my house soon? Would that be cool?" My 11-year-old Little Sister could hardly contain her excitement. Deja's face lit up with a smile, and she clapped her hands. "Yes!" she exclaimed mid-bite. It was all she could talk about as we finished dinner and drove back to her house. Can we swim, she asked. Can we go to the movies? Can we go out to eat? Can we watch a movie at home? Can we play? (See related on Patch: Big Brothers Big Sisters Asks You to 'Be There Now') She …

Before the big leaguers took the field at the July 10 St. Louis Cardinals game, a different set of all-stars was honored at Busch Stadium. Nearly 50 Little Brothers and Sisters were recognized at the annual graduation ceremony held by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBS). To celebrate the achievements of the accomplished group of Littles, BBBS Staff and Bigs presented the graduating Littles with awards and certificates before enjoying the celebratory lunch. One graduating Little Sister stood out in particular. Shelley, an 18-year-old Little who had been matched with her Big …

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBBS) launched a brand new campaign aiming to recruit 600 new volunteers in six months. "Be There Now" is calling on all of the organization's dedicated supporters to help to generate awareness among their friends and colleagues or become Big Brothers or Big Sisters themselves.  With more than 1,000 children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister, there’s never been a better time than now to get involved. The impact of having a mentor is incredibly powerful, yet the requirements to become one are easier than you might think:  You must be 18 or …