their potential is big.
help ignite it.

Little Sister
Big Brother and Little Brother outside
Little Brother

Steps to Getting a BIG

  • - 01 -

    Fill out your application to start
    enrolling your child.

  • - 02 -

    Watch or attend an orientation/Info session
    and complete training.

  • - 03 -

    BBBSKY staff interview
    you and your child.

  • - 04 -

    Engage with agency activities and more
    while we find your Big.

  • - 05 -

    Meet with BBBSKY staff to
    learn about your potential Big.

  • - 06 -

    Meet your Big!

enroll your child

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships between Littles (a child between the ages 7 – 16) and Bigs (an adult mentor). BBBSKY celebrates all ethnicities, nations of origins, religions, gender expressions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic status.

Mentoring helps create positive outcomes and can have a phenomenal impact on a child's developmental and emotional growth. Bigs and Littles hang out 2-3 times a month for a few hours doing normal, everyday activities, like seeing a movie, doing homework, playing games, going out to eat, or just hanging out!

You’ll feel the impact as much as your child.
A study for Big Brothers Big Sisters found that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister: 

  • are more confident 

  • are more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol 

  • do better in school 

  • get along better with their family and friends 

  • feel better about themselves

“When Little Sister Mikayla was looking for a Big Sister, she was looking for someone she could have fun with and learn from, especially when it came to public speaking. In just two years, Big Sister Clare has watched Mikayla grow in public speaking, school work, cooking skills, and how she cares for her siblings!”

Big Sister Clare and Little Sister Mikayla

Big Sister Clare and Little Sister Mikayla posing outside with the Big 4 bridge in the background

"My Big Sister has helped me set achievable goals, excel academically, and get ready to attend college. I’m excited to have her as a friend for life!”

Recent graduate and former Little Sister Daesha

Daesha, former Little Sister and recent graduate smiling for camera

Impact

100%

avoided involvement with the Juvenile Justice System

100%

graduated on time

86%

MAINTAINED OR improved their mental health

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained match coordinator. 

    Our staff is actively and continuously trained in youth safety and protection, to stay up to date on trends, prevention, and risks. 

    Our staff closely monitors each stage of the match relationship, including the enrollment process, matching process, the duration of the match relationship (via detailed and thorough match support contacts), and the match closure process.  

    Click here to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and all affiliates commitment to safety and for additional resources.

Safety from the start.

families as partners.

  • When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we’re all in this together. So it should come as no surprise that we need the parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match. 

    Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs, but you’ll also approve the selection of the Big Brother or Big Sister. Once the match is made, you remain closely involved in many ways, including: 

    1. Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big

    2. Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the agency staff

    3. Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency on a regular basis (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)

    4. Participating in training on child safety offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, and communicating with your child about the training he or she receives

FAQs

  • No. This is a free program for all families. In the School to Work program, BBBSKY and corporate sponsors cover all expenses. In the Community Based program the Bigs are responsible for the cost of the outings.

  • Yes. BBBSKY believes a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is one where all youth, families, volunteers, and employees whatever their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, education, income, or health condition feels valued and respected.

  • We conduct in-depth interviews with the Bigs, Littles, and parents/guardians enrolling in our program so we can get to know all parties and can make the best match! We make matches based on common interests, personalities, preferences, and geography.

  • Waiting time may vary because we are searching for a Big that best fits with your child. While you wait, we offer free activities and other services to keep you connected.

  • In the Community-Based Program it’s up to your family’s and the Big’s schedule, but most matches meet on the weekends. We recommend matches meet two times per month, for at least two hours at a time.

Ready to enroll?