About Us
Big Brothers Big Sisters is the ONLY prevention program in Montana proven to affect a broad spectrum of risk factors (i.e. delinquency; alcohol, tobacco and drug use; teen pregnancy, and school dropout) while simultaneously helping children reach their highest potential. As such, the return on investment is higher across the board than dollars invested in single issue prevention programs.
Vision Statement
Provide successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities for all.
Mission Statement
Make a positive difference in the lives of children by providing professionally supported, enduring, mentoring relationships that provide guidance, promote self-esteem, and expand awareness of life’s opportunities.
Accountability
By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:
• Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
• Avoidance of risky behaviors
• Educational success
Our Programs Start Something
Here's the proof. 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 and 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.
History
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was founded in 1904, and celebrated its 100th year of service to children in 2004. Nationally, the program serves approximately 225,000 children, with the goal to serve 1,000,000 children.
BBBS of Helena started in 1967 as a project of a priest in the Helena diocese, supporting seven Big Brother Big Sister Relationships in its first year. In 1992 BBBS-H affiliated with BBBS of America and standardized program delivery. Today BBBS-H serves an average of 120 children in the community based program and 200 children in 9 local elementary schools and two middle schools in the school based program.
In 2011 BBBS-H expanded services to the Boulder community with the goal of serving 25 children in Boulder annually.
