DISCOVER Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County
ABOUT
Changing Perspectives. Changing Lives.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering local youth to reach their full potential through mentorship. With a presence in our community since the 1970s, our organization supports meaningful 1-on-1 relationships between adult volunteers (Bigs) and children (Littles) ages 6 to 14. These carefully monitored matches help young people build confidence, set goals, and develop positive perspectives that can change the course of their lives.
As part of the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been working for over 120 years under the belief that every child has the ability to succeed. Our mission is to create and support mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Through our two main programs—Community-Based and School-Based Mentoring—volunteers offer guidance, friendship, and support to help local children achieve their full potential. Whether it’s helping with homework, attending events, or simply being there as a trusted friend, our Bigs play a vital role in shaping the future of the Littles they mentor.
Join us in creating lasting change in the lives of Johnson County youth!
Get involved: become a big
Looking to get involved? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County offers several programs to suit your needs. From 1-on-1 mentoring to couples and family matches, we provide opportunities for everyone to make a positive impact.
Community-Based Mentoring
Our Community-Based Mentoring program connects Bigs and Littles for one-on-one outings, giving them the opportunity to bond over everyday activities like going to the movies, playing games, or simply hanging out. Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist who provides guidance and resources tailored to the Little’s age. Whether you meet during the week or on weekends, this flexible program allows you to make a meaningful difference by being a reliable role model.
School-Based Mentoring
Our School-Based Mentoring program pairs Bigs and Littles at school for activities like sharing lunch, doing homework, or playing on the playground. This program, often called the “Lunch Buddies” program, helps kids build friendships and provides them with extra support during the school day. Whether it’s shooting hoops in the gym or helping with class assignments, this program is all about building connections and boosting confidence.
Ways to Mentor
One-on-One Mentoring: Become a Big and mentor a child individually. You’ll meet up once a month in the community and focus on building a friendship, helping with academics, or simply being a positive influence.
Couples Match: Mentor a child with your partner, family member, or friend. Together, you can enjoy outings and activities, sharing your experiences with your Little.
Family Match: Get the whole family involved! Invite a Little to join in your family’s favorite activities once a month, creating lasting bonds while sharing family traditions and discovering new passions.
Make an Impact
By becoming a Big, you can change a child’s life by offering them the gift of friendship and guidance. Bigs help Littles grow in self-esteem, earn better grades, and develop lifelong friendships. Whether you play games, explore local parks, or just chat, your time together makes a difference. Plus, with ongoing support from our Match Support Specialists, you’ll always have the resources needed to make your mentoring experience fulfilling.
Interested in Mentoring?
Becoming a Big is easy! Cruise our FAQs or fill out our simple online inquiry form, and a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will follow up with you. If you’re ready to make an impact, there’s no better time to get started! Apply today and help ignite a young person’s potential!
ENROLL A LITTLE
As a parent, you know your child’s potential better than anyone. By enrolling them in Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re opening doors to a brighter future. Through one-on-one mentorship, your child can build meaningful connections, improve their self-esteem, and develop lifelong skills. Let us help you make that happen!
If you can answer “yes” to the following questions, your child may be a perfect fit for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program:
- Is your child at least six years old?
- Are they interested in having a mentor?
- Do you live in Johnson County or West Branch, and plan to stay for at least one year?
- Will you, as the parent or guardian, partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters staff to support the mentoring relationship?
Parents are Partners
Your role is essential to your child’s success in the program. From the start, you’ll provide valuable insights into your child’s strengths and needs, and you’ll approve their Big Brother or Big Sister match. After the match, you’ll continue to be involved by approving activities, tracking progress, and participating in child safety training.
Child Safety Comes First
Every volunteer in our program undergoes a rigorous screening process, including:
- A formal application.
- Background and reference checks.
- An in-person interview.
- Orientation and training on your child’s individualized needs.
Starting in 2023, parents and guardians are required to complete the online training, “Your Child’s Personal Safety,” before their child can be matched with a Big. This helps ensure your child is safe and supported throughout their time in the program.
Ready to Get Started?
If you think your child would benefit from a Big, we’re here to help. Enrolling them in Big Brothers Big Sisters is a step toward their bright and successful future. Start your child’s online form today!
Big Impact—Proven Results
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’ve always known our mentoring programs empower children to succeed, and nationwide research confirms it.
According to the Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) study, our 1-to-1 mentoring relationships make a lasting impact. Each match is carefully vetted for safety, compatibility, and long-term success. Beyond just introducing Bigs and Littles, we provide ongoing support, training, and supervision for both mentors and families to ensure relationships thrive.
Our impact is clear in Johnson County
- 100% of youth improved in at least one key area
- 96% showed progress in two or more areas
- 83% improved in three or more areas
These categories include social acceptance, academic performance, trust, and behavior. We hold ourselves accountable to our participants, donors, and partners by focusing on continuous improvement.
Our commitment to learning is also supported by research. A recent University of Illinois-Chicago study revealed that youth matched with a Big were:
- 54% less likely to be arrested
- 41% less likely to use substances
Matched youth also showed improved self-control, social skills, and school engagement.
Our data-driven approach and collaborative partnerships keep us at the forefront of youth mentorship, delivering proven, lasting results for children across the country.
Make a Difference Today: Support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County
When you donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County, you’re directly empowering local children to build brighter futures. Every dollar helps create life-changing, 1-on-1 mentoring relationships that inspire confidence and success. Whether you contribute online, through PayPal, or Venmo, your generosity brings hope to children in your community.
Get Involved Beyond Donations
Looking for more ways to make an impact? There are several ways you can get involved and support BBBS of Johnson County:
- Host or Sponsor a Match Event – Lead an activity or offer your facility for Big-Little events.
- Volunteer at Fundraisers – Give your time at events like Bowl for Kids’ Sake or other community activities.
- Encourage Employee Participation – Help your team give back by offering time off for mentoring.
- Join Our Board – Take on a long-term role in shaping our future. Learn more about current opportunities.
- Provide Pro Bono Services – Use your skills in marketing, design, or outreach to help us reach more people.
- Sponsor a Fundraising Event – Back one of our events and ensure its success.
- Offer Merchant Discounts – Give Big-Little matches special discounts to enjoy more local experiences.
Your support—whether financial or through volunteering—plays a crucial role in helping local kids achieve their potential. Donate online today or explore other ways to make a lasting difference!
Contact BBBS of Johnson County
Have questions or want to learn more about how you can get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters? We’re here to help! Whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor, supporting our programs, or just looking for more information, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County
3109 Old Hwy 218 S. Iowa City, IA 52246