Big Brothers Big Sisters is the largest provider of one-to-one youth mentoring services in the United States. In Erie County, we have been matching caring adults with local children for more than 35 years and have touched the lives of over 6,000 youth. These quality relationships are built on friendship and trust, and are proven to be a significant positive influence in the life of the child, and the volunteer.

Studies show that children matched with "Bigs" when compared to other youth are:

46%		less likely to start using drugs
27%		less likely to start drinking
52%		less likely to skip a day of school
37%		less likely to skip a class
33%		less likely to hit someone and are more trusting of their parents or guardians