Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan

Our mission Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
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Ways to help youth thrive

Become a Big

Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (Bigs) and children (Littles), ages 6 through 18, in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Calhoun, and Van Buren counties. The financial support of hundreds of donors makes it possible for the agency to professionally match and professionally support Bigs, Littles and their families through the life of the match. This leads to positive friendships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. You have the opportunity to help shape a child's future by empowering their potential.Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters are everyday people just like you. You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do.
    , Other
  • Academic Support
  • Weekly
  • Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors
  • On-site
  • Education, Social Skills
  • Elementary (5-10), Middle School, High School
  • Same One-to-One
  • Academically at Risk, First Gen College, Gifted, Juvenile System, LGBTQ+, Low Income Household
  • Community Center
  • Adults, Adults (18+)
  • Individuals, Male
  • 1 Full Year, More Than A Year
  • 1 Hour/Week
  • Weekday Afternoons, Weekday Evenings, Weekends
  • Moderate
Learn More and Contact Program
Ways to help

Be A Big Brother

You have a big opportunity in front of you — to not only impact a child’s life today, but to transform their potential for tomorrow. Big Brothers are in high demand. For  two hours, twice a month, you can give a local boy the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply introducing him to new ideas and experiences, you can literally start changing his life. And sometimes it’s as simple as playing video games, going to a museum, or just hanging out together.
  • Weekly
  • 21+, 55+, Adults
  • Individuals
  • Virtual, Indoor, Outdoor
  • On-site, Formal
  • Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends

Be A Big Sister

This is your chance to positively impact the next generation. As a Big Sister, you can help impact the life of a child for the better, forever. As a Big Sister, you can give a girl an opportunity to see beyond her everyday world and dream big. It’s good for your Little, as well as your community. And it can start with simply letting her enjoy the things you already love to do, but can grow into something bigger. For just two hours, twice a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing her perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing her life. Play a board game. Make fun crafts. Hit the playground together. Just as your options are unlimited, so is your Little’s potential.
  • Weekly
  • 21+, 55+, Adults
  • Individuals
  • Virtual, Indoor, Outdoor
  • Formal
  • Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends

Be A Big Couple

With your partner, you can positively impact a local child. Couples are able to keep their commitments to each other while expanding their Little’s view of the world. For just two hours, twice a month, do what you already do, just do it with your Little. Go to the Farmers’ Market, play a board game, visit the museum, cookout… the options are endless and so is the positive influence you will have on your Little.
  • Weekly
  • 21+, 55+, Adults
  • Families
  • Virtual, Indoor, Outdoor
  • Formal
  • Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends

Skills Based Volunteer

If becoming a Big isn't right for you right now, you can still help local children by assisting the agency with your skills and talents.
  • One-time, Occasional
  • 21+, 55+, Adults
  • Individuals
  • Physical, Office work, Event support, Indoor, Outdoor
  • Skilled
  • Weekdays, Evenings, Weekends
How you help Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most fulfilling ways you can give back to your community. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future by empowering their potential. Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters are everyday people just like you. You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do. Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Draw pictures. Visit a park or museum. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just listen and provide inspiration as they discover who they are meant to be. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy them even more with your Little—and you’ll make a life-changing impact. Our professional staff is there with you every step of the way and provides socially distant, outdoor, and virtual activity ideas to meet the needs of each Big and Little match. Our team has gone virtual! We are working remotely to continue providing services to the Bigs, Littles, and the families we serve. Attend an information session to find out more! We have no obligation lunch and learn sessions each Wednesday from 12:0o-12:30PM. We also offer one-on-one information sessions by appointment.
About us Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan helps children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities. And we couldn't do any of it without you.
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