Big Brothers Big Sisters is a well-respected organization that operates a mentoring program to match children and youth from single-parent families to adult volunteer role models. The Provincial Government is continuing its support with a $125,000 operating grant for 2007-08.

"This funding will help connect more children from single-parent families to a big brother or a big sister," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "Government supports the efforts of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the many volunteer mentors who are enabling our young people to improve their self-esteem, gain confidence and reach their full potential as citizens. It is also a positive experience for mentors who gain the benefit of seeing the world once again through a child�s eye."

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers two mentoring programs. The community-based mentoring program matches a volunteer adult with a child typically for a few hours per week. They engage in a variety of social and recreational activities of mutual interest. There are over 200 matches in place under this program option. The organization also offers an in-school mentoring program. Students, between the ages of 6 to 14, are matched with an adult mentor in the school environment for one hour per week. This program has approximately 100 matches in place. Adult mentors are placed following an application and screening process in accordance with national delivery standards.

Since 1975, Big Brothers Big Sisters has launched thousands of new friendships in Newfoundland and Labrador. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides programs and services in the Avalon and Bay St. George�Corner Brook areas of the province. Each agency is operated through by a community-based volunteer board of directors. For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters visit www.bbbsc.ca/defaultlanguage.asp.

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