About Us!
In 1975, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westmoreland County was formed to provide services to children through mentoring relationships. In 2001, services were expanded into Fayette County in an attempt to change the lives of additional children. The agency’s name was then changed to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region (BBBSLR), and over 600 children per year now receive valuable, one-to-one mentoring services.
The mission of BBBSLR is attained through unique programming options that are individualized for each child and volunteer. Staff take great care in matching together a child and volunteer with similar interests and hobbies. Thus, volunteers are encouraged to try to engage in meaningful conversations with the child and incorporate the child into their daily routine through free and low-cost activities they would normally do. The most important thing for a volunteer to remember is that you are a friend that child can count on, someone to share the little moments that can create big magic! There are two main program options that fit most volunteers’ schedules:
Who are the Big Brothers/Big Sisters?
BBBSLR does not discriminate against any religion, race, color, marital status, creed, national origin, veteran status, disability, or gender of a volunteer.
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The volunteer must be at least 18 years of age and self-sufficient (or in high school for School-Based Mentoring). There is no upper age limit as long as the volunteer can be active with the child.
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The volunteer must have a valid driver’s license and carry Automobile Liability Insurance (Community-Based) and have access to a car/transportation (School-Based).
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The volunteer must be wiling to complete the BBBSLR application/orientation/training process in its entirety.
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The volunteer must be willing to make a one-year commitment to a match with the agency.
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The volunteer must be willing to attend any support/training workshops or meetings required by BBBSLR.
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The volunteer must be willing to maintain regular contact with the agency, communicate any issues they may have with the match, and complete all other information as required by BBBSLR to maintain compliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Who are the Little Brothers/Little Sisters?
BBBSLR does not discriminate against any religion, race, color, marital status, creed, national origin, disability, or gender of a child.
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The child must reside in Westmoreland or Fayette County.
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The child must be between the ages of 6-14. Applicants who are 15-17 will be considered at the discretion of the case manager.
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The need for additional support for an adult volunteer must be shown – the child residing in a single-parent home (or paramour of parent is also in home), one or both parents dealing with disability or illness, and/or a major stressor in the home/family life situation.
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The child and parent/guardian must be wiling to complete the BBBSLR application/orientation/training process in its entirety.
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The child and parent/guardian must be willing to make a one-year commitment to a match with the agency.
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The child and parent/guardian must be willing to attend any support/training workshops or meetings required by BBBSLR.
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The child and parent/guardian must be willing to maintain regular contact with the agency, communicate any issues they may have with the match, and complete all other information as required by BBBSLR to maintain compliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
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Referrals for a child’s acceptance may be considered by BBBSLR, but the above-listed criteria must apply.