BAGS & BREW 2021

Millions of children need a caring adult role model.

When children and teens have the influence of a caring adult, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and to focus on academics. Today's youth face a variety of challenges, and being matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister can help them navigate these challenges and reach their potential.

We currently have over 30 SWLA children waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. Are YOU the one who will defend their potential?

What is our Impact?

National Research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives. By participating in our programs, Little Brothers/Sisters are:

More confident in their schoolwork performance
Able to get along better with their families
46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin using alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
81% reported that it changed their perspective on what they thought possible in life

A Little Time Can Make a Big Impact

NOTE: All names have been changed to protect the identities of the wait list children enrolled in our mentoring program. For many children in our community, having someone to spend…

Learn more about A Little Time Can Make a Big Impact

Greg and John Go the Distance

When John Fontenot lost his father a little over 10 years ago, he thought about…

Read more about Greg and John Go the Distance

BBBS-SWLA Summer Program is a BIG Success!

While summer is a kid’s favorite time of year, it can be tough (and expensive)…

Read more about BBBS-SWLA Summer Program is a BIG Success!

Foster Grandparents of the Year 2016

In addition to their work with the children and families of Southwest Louisiana through its…

10 Years and 10,000 Memories

Big Sister Brenda is a southern girl. She graduated from Sulphur High School and grew…

One Big and One Not-So-Little

When Brad Ragusa was a kid in the early eighties, his mom pitched him an…

How does Big Brothers Big Sisters help Kasaius?

Matching Relationship Management Activities Screening and Training

Matching

When Big Brothers Big Sisters works to match a Little with a Big, we take into account the needs, personality, interests, and goals of both the child and the adult volunteer. We introduce the Little and his or her family to the Big slowly and make sure everyone is fully committed to the match before it is made official. Little Brother Kasaius is outgoing and up for anything, so he needed a Big who was creative and had a variety of interests.

Relationship Management

Children like Kasaius get the most out of their one-to-one relationship with their Big when the Big, the parent or guardian, and the child talk openly with their Match Support Specialist. Working as part of the team helping the child succeed, the Match Support Specialist can help identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and connect the family with essential services.

Activities

When Kasaius’ Big Brother saw the email from BBBS saying that there were spots open in a free acting class, he jumped at the chance to take Kasaius. BBBS affiliates across the country provide activities for Bigs and Littles and also alert Bigs to opportunities in the community. This enables Bigs to get to know other Bigs, who might be experiencing similar things and who might have great suggestions for more new activities.

Screening and Training

Child safety is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ highest priority. To achieve the highest standards possible, we work constantly to review and strengthen our background check systems as new best practices in the industry emerge. We also make sure our Bigs and our staff have the training and resources they need to help Littles on their path to success.