Big Brothers Big Sisters Association
St. Catharines – Thorold & District
428 Niagara Street, St. Catharines,
ON, L2M 4W3
PH: (905) 646-3230 Fax: (905) 646-2564




Overview:
Serves at-risk children and youth with several mentoring options including the traditional big brother/big sister matching, in-school mentoring and group programs. These programs and services are pro-active and preventative. They assist in the positive development of children and youth through continued involvement with appropriate and caring role models. The adult offers support, guidance and assistance as the younger person goes through a difficult period or faces new challenges. Mentoring impacts the child’s life in many ways, from improving their self-esteem and confidence, improving school attendance to improving peer and family relationships, to name a few. Mentoring also enriches the life of the mentor and has long-term benefits for the community as a whole.

Program Investment by United Way:
1. Big Brothers and Big Sisters Mentoring Program 
Big Brothers and Big Sisters are valuable friends and mentors for at-risk children, youth and families in our community. Through receiving the guidance and attention they need, children in the program gain self- confidence, achieve more in school, and improve their relationships with family and peers. With a growing number of children living in single-parent and two-parent working families, the importance of this program to the community is greater than ever. Big Brothers and Big Sisters currently serves 300 children and another 250 are still waiting to access their services.

2. In School Mentoring
The Teen Mentoring Program provides teens between the ages of 11-16 years with the necessary tools and positive role models to help promote healthy lifestyle choices and transition them from adolescence to adulthood. For one hour each week, a ‘Big’ works with a ‘Little’ at his or her school. Helping with schoolwork, playing games and having positive interaction with the youth strengthens the youth’s resiliency and engages them in a positive way.

Testimonial:
Growing up without a father was difficult for Jason. Now he has the mentor he was longing for. “My son needed that extra bit of attention that I just could not give him.” Jason’s Big Brother Kevin has become the most important friend in his life.  Jason’s mother began to notice significant changes almost immediately.  Jason began to improve in school, was more helpful around the home, and was less aggressive. Thanks to Kevin and the United Way funded program at the Big Brothers & Sisters Association, Jason now has a smile on his face.