Our Mission
To provide quality-mentoring relationships to children in need.
Our Vision
To significantly contribute to the healthy development of youth in our community.
For more than 80 years Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington has been providing quality-mentoring services to at-risk children and youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington is the community’s primary mentoring organization, providing positive adult influences to children and youth.
In April 2003, Big Brothers of Hamilton and Burlington merged with Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington. By merging with Big Sisters, we are bringing together a rich history of success, expertise, and diverse visioning. Together we will further enhance mentoring services for all children.
Currently there are 850 children and youth who are matched with Big Brothers or Big Sisters however, there are an additional 200 girls and boys still waiting for a mentor.
- A recent research study confirmed the positive impact that mentoring can have in the lives and development of children and youth:
- 80% of former Little Brothers attained at least a secondary school diploma, compared to 60% of others in the same age group
- 78% of former Little Brothers do not rely on social assistance
- 46% are less likely to start using drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking
- 52% are less likely to skip school and 37% are less likely to skip class. The youth not only skipped school less but also earned higher grades and felt better about how they were doing in school.
Source: Project Impact Study by the Social Planning & research Council of Hamilton & District
The Project Impact Study highlights the positive long-term impact mentoring programs can have in the life of a child. Many of the children who are fortunate to receive positive mentoring programs are more likely to become healthier adults who will lead productive lives without the need for social dependence.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington has been able to meet the unique challenges and realities throughout eight decades of caring for children. Our success is interwoven in the ability to develop and evolve programs that meet current community needs.
Working with VISION 2020 Goals:
-
Local Economy
-
Education
-
Arts & Heritage
-
Personal health & Well-being
-
Community Well-being
-
Safety & Security
The mentoring services of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington incorporate many of the City of Hamilton’s VISION 2020 goals.
The agency works diligently to educate girls and boys with social development. There are many long-term benefits that result from positive mentoring experiences and improved social development. Most important is that these boys and girls are now more likely to lead healthy, productive lives.
As girls and boys improve their self-esteem and confidence through the influence of positive adult role models, they improve their ability to make better lifestyle decisions. As a result, these children are more likely to develop into positive adult community citizens.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington help to nurture community awareness through active social programming with arts and heritage, nature and the environment, education and personal health. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton and Burlington will continue to work with community partners to incorporate many of these activities into mentoring program mandates.
Contact Information:
Main Office:
639 Main Street East
Hamilton, Ontario
L8M 1J4
Phone: 905-525-3860
Fax: 905-525-6444
Email: info@callbigbrothers.com
Web: www.callbigbrothers.com
Burlington Office:
560 Guelph Line
Burlington, Ontario
L7R 3M4
Phone: 905-637-9911
Email: beth@callbigbrothers.com