Meagan Ricks

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mission “The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee is to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth who are in need of positive role models. This is done primarily through professionally screened and supported one-to-one relationships with caring volunteer adults. The intent of our mentoring service is to transform young people’s lives and enrich their families, thus helping to strengthen our communities and society as a whole”

How is this Done? A “big” is a person from the community who shares time with a youth (also called a “Little”) in need of a friend, companion, or mentor. A “big” must be responsible, mature, and able to relate to a child without judgement. There are different requirements for specific programs in the agency but these are the most important.

Who is a “Little?” A little brother or little sister is a child between the ages of 4 and 15 who may benefit from having a big brother or big sister mentor. “Littles” may come from all walks of life and backgrounds. “Littles” in Anderson, Blount, Hawkins, Knox, Sullivan or Washington County qualify for the East Tennessee branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters. There are many other BBBS agencies serving other areas.

What does a Big Brother or Big Sister do? Visits his/her “Little ” once per week Helps with school work Teaches life skills Offers encouragement Participates in recreational activities Develops a positive relationsh ip with his/her “Little” Maintains the relationship with his/her “Little for at least one year

Different Programs for Different Situations Amachi Program Community Program Sports Buddie s School Program

The Amachi Program “Who knows but what God has brought us through this child…”  Amachi Bigs mentor children have an incarcerated parent.  The program is designed to help to reshape these children’s lives and direct in a positive path.  Littles in the Amachi program are 4-15 years old.  Amachi Bigs are volunteers from church organizations who spend one hour with their Littles each week.  There is a focus on positive career and life choices, engagement in activities which encourage progress in school, and participation in group events and activities which fit mutual interests of Bigs and Littles.

The Community Program  The community program is a more general mentoring program.  It is offered to any child who may benefit from having a Big and almost anyone can qualify to be a mentor.  BBBS organizers work to match Littles with the right Bigs for them.  Bigs and Littles spend a few hours together each week enjoying activities such as going to movies, visiting parks and museums, taking walks, volunteering, and anything else which may meet their interests.  The community program is a positive learning experience, not only for its Littles, but its Bigs as well.

The School Program  The school program allows Bigs to visit their Littles’ schools each week.  Mentors may spend their time in the child’s classroom, take them to the library to study, tutor, or practice reading skills.  Time is also often spent together during lunch and/or recess.  Teachers in Knox, Blount, Anderson, Loudon, Scott and Sullivan counties are typically very open to and flexible with these visitations.

Sports Buddies  The sports buddies program was designed to help bring more male mentors into the organization to work with the boys which make up approximately ¾ of the Littles in BBBS.  Bigs in this program spend a few hours per week with their Littles a few times each month attending sporting events and playing sports together.  Tickets to at least two local sporting events are provided by BBBS each month.  Bigs and Littles are also provided with the opportunity to attend sport camps and clinics.

Want to Become a Big Brother or Big Sister?  Visit big big  Download and mail or fax an application  Schedule and attend an orientation  Interview with a BBBS representative  MEET YOUR LITTLE!  You may also call BBBS at (865) ext. 27 or visit one of their East Tennessee locations for more information.

How to Become a Little  The process for becoming a Little is very similar to that of becoming a Big.  Visit the website at for an application and mail or fax it.  A phone call may also be made to (865) ext. 27 for more information.

Other Ways You Can Help…

East Tennessee Office Locations Knoxville Office 119 W. Summit Hill Drive Suite 101 Knoxville, TN T (865) F (865) Kingsport Office 301 Louis St., Suite 302 Kingsport, TN T (423) F (423)

Sources Photos: path/ have-a-parent-in-prison-New-report-/ Info: