What We Do

The relationship between Big and Little (Mentor/ Mentee) is built on trust and consistency.

A Little sees his or her Big as someone to talk to about problems and fears, goals and dreams—someone who cares about their science test and talks through personal challenges.

By simply spending time with their Little and enjoying friendship, a Big empowers them to reach their full potential.


COMMUNITY-BASED MENTORING

Our Community-Based Mentoring Program is our hallmark mentoring program, where Bigs (mentors) pick up their Little (ages 7-18) from their home, and take them out to enjoy mentoring activities in the community. Match activities are based on mutual interest, and include things like playing basketball, baking together, or taking a walk. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley also plans group activities for matches to attend such as outings to Sky Zone or mini-golfing. In this program, Bigs make a 1-year commitment to their match and meet with their Little 2-4 times a month.

LITTLES2B

Our Littles2B program has a lesser commitment than our Community-Based Mentoring Program, and it’s a great way to get to know Big Brothers Big Sisters! This is a program for the children who are waiting to be paired with a Big. It is a small-group program and takes place the second Wednesday of each month from 6pm-7:30pm at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Mentoring Center in East Allentown. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides activities for volunteers and youth to enjoy, and youth can interact with the volunteers in attendance to give them a “Big for a Night.” This program has an attendance commitment of three times a year, although you may attend more frequently if you would like.

SPORTS BUDDIES

Sports Buddies is our newest mentoring program, launching in 2023. This program is specially for Big Brothers and Little Brothers to help reduce the number of Little Brothers on our waiting list. Volunteers are asked to make a 9-month commitment to the program and meet once a month with their Little at activities planned by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley. There will be two activities available each month and you and your Little can pick which one interests you the most – or attend both. One activity will be a spectator event (like attending a Phantoms game) and the other will be participatory (like having a kickball game). All activities are planned and paid for by BBBSLV. Families/BBBSLV provide transportation for our youth, so Bigs do not need to worry about driving their Little.

HIGH SCHOOL BIGS

In our High School Bigs mentoring program, volunteer High School students (Bigs) are matched with elementary school children (Littles) to develop a friendship and build the social-emotional skills of the children. This program is available to high school students in Whitehall-Coplay School District and Bethlehem Area School District.

BEYOND SCHOOL WALLS

Beyond School Walls is a cohort-style program that focuses on college exploration and workplace readiness for middle- to high-school-age students (Littles). Companies and organizations provide mentors (Bigs) for a cohort and are paired with Littles in a one-to-one mentoring relationship. All mentoring sessions are facilitated by a BBBSLV staff member.

Corporate mentoring has proven benefits for both the employer and employees. Learn more about the benefits of corporate mentorship!

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