Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia, Inc.

I am a big sister to two girls ages 14 and 9 plus two boys ages 13 and 10. They are in the same family. We spend a lot of time going to museums and parks. We discuss what they want their futures to be. The two oldest are discussing colleges and what they need to do to be successful. I have known these kids 8 years and they have truly become family. I also help with extra curricular activities as well.

Big Brothers and Big Sisters is a wonderful program for both the mentee and the mentor. I have been a mentor for several years now and I never fail to be blessed by the experiences I have with my Little. I have learned that being a mentor means being accountable and be available because the Littles depend on it and on you. I feel enriched and happy that I am able to touch another person's life as much as they touch mine. I can't wait to see my Little in the fall!

I've been with my little for approximately five years; he is currently 15 years old. I've always dreamed of being able to give back to the community and Big Brothers Big Sisters is one program that truly allows me to serve today. Together my little and I have experienced obstacles in daily life and by working together have realized we can work through them. This journey has taught me a lot about myself and it's truly amazing what I've learned from my little. If one is wondering how they can make a difference in their community and a child's life; then Big Brothers Big Sisters is highly recommended. Today's youth hold the keys to our future. Cloyd Hall Jr. Macon, GA

My first Little was four years old when we were matched. At one point, I had 3 Littles - a teenager, a pre-teen, and a first grader. It was amazing how well they bonded and helped each other out. My experiences have been mixed. Two have aged out and the one that I have left will be entering high school this fall. I have truly benefitted more form this experience than they have. I've watched them grow and mature into young men. One is now married with a son. One is at a crossroads of determining what to make of himself-a decision he has to make. My last Little is an honor student, engaged now with summer practice for football. College is a definite in his future plans. BBBS afforded me this opportunity to be a part of their lives thereby enriching mine.

Big Brother Big Sister of Bibb County is a great organization! The employees there are a hard-working team that will go out of their way to accommadate volunteers and their "Littles." When I first began volunteering, employees came to my office to supply me with information and offer encouragement to me as a first-time volunteer.

This is a fun way to volunteer and make a positive impact in the lives of a child/children. It is fairly easy to volunteer during the time(s) most convenient for your personal schedule, and it's fun getting to know kids in the community. Also, BB/BS does a great job of offering fun group activities for volunteers and their Littles to bring you together with others in the community.

BB/BS is a great nonprofit org. that deserves everyone's support!

I have been teaching for 4 years and have seen the positive impact that the mentors have had on my students. The change was so positive, that this year I decided to become a mentor myself. I love beign a part of someone's live that could benefit from our time spent together. This is a wonderful program and anyone who has the time should sign up and become a mentor!

BBBS is serious about serving the youth and the communities where they live. Mentors are an important contributor to the lives of many at-risk youth. BBBS makes sure that the mentoring process is thorough - it fully involves local school systems, mentors, youth and their families - as well as other community organizations. Thanks to BBBS and their dedication to identifying, matching, and follow-up - many local youth benefit from the additional guidance and support of dedicated mentors!

Big Brothers Big Sisters is truely a wonderful organization to be a part of. As a volunteer I can see the difference in my little. He has come a long ways from when we first met 3 years ago. His grades have improved, his relationships with other children and adults and his maturity has greatly improved. He is an inspiration to me as much as I am to him. We share a lot together and work through the tough times and questions that arise. Thanks to Big Brothers Big SIsters I have had the chance to make a positive difference in someones life. He is my first little and I do want more. Absolutely one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I have been a big sister with BBBS Middle Georgia for almost 5 years. I started in the program as a school based mentor to only one little. When it was time for school to end for the the school year I couldn't imagine not interacting with my little throughout the summer so I became a community based mentor. My little has a twin sister so I picked her sister up during the summer as well and although the twin already had a big sister I have remained a big sister to both. It is truly a pleasure to be a big sister to these girls, there is such a sense of joy that comes over me when I am with my littles. To be able to put a smile on a child's face that has no blood or other relation to you is phenomenal. One of the best memories that I have was during the first year of mentoring and CRCTs (standardized testing) were coming up. My little was so excited about the upcoming exams, she wrote me a note to tell me me that she knew that she would do well on the CRCTs because I had been helping her.

Having positive influences in the lives of children that could possibly go down the "wrong path" will make all the difference to them, beyond anything you could ever imagine.

I have been a Big Sister with this organization for 9 years now. I am impressed with the professionalism of the staff, leadership and the program. I was matched with an at risk 5 year old that was perfect for me. She is now 14 and she is excelling in school, marching band, and very active in church. Big Brother Big Sisters of the Heart of GA has a lot of activities for the children and checks on our match many times a year to ensure things are going fine. Overall, I would highly recommend that others become mentors with this organization and contribute to this organization.

I knew that I wanted to be a mentor years in advance of being introduced to Big Brothers Bigs Sisters of the Heart of Georgia. I wanted to make a difference in the life of boy who needed a role model, but I could never have imagined what an impact that little boy would have in my life. I have to give credit to God and His servants in this agency. Loving and professional are the two words that describe these people. To do mentoring right, you have to have both.

When I decided to become a big sister, I never thought this experience would influence me as much as it has. At the beginning, it became a challenge because of my schedule, but it soon became the highlight of my week. Ironically, I wasn't only mentoring my little sister, she was mentoring me as well!!! I learned so many things from her and she definitely contributed to my growth as a person. It was after this realization that I decided to form part of Club Esperanza, where I became a Big Sister of three precious girls. Each day I visited all of my four little sisters, I thanked God for the joy HE brought to my life through these four little treasures. They were the ones who with their words and smiles made me feel great about life, even when things are school became tough. The payoff?...A call I received recently from all of them this summer telling me that they can't wait to see me again. What was so amazing to hear was not that they want to see me again, but the simple sound of their innocent voices. The feeling is mutual. I can't wait to see them again...to see what God has prepared for them in life. Another payoff?...my growth as a person and increased gratitude towards God for my life :)

When I first heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters, I no idea how I would fit in or what value I could add. After I applied and was accepted as a Big Sister to a beautiful young girl, I wondered how I could bring joy and companionship to my little sister. What a surprise I was in for. She brought more joy and companionship to me!!! Isn't it amazing how things work out. After a year a half of being a Big Sister, I have come to realize that my life has changed so positively and that I now have someone that I will be part of for the rest of my life. Since May 2008, we have explored places together that has enriched us individually and jointly. I think we have toured every restaurant in the commuting area!! We have done craft works (decorated shoes, pumpkins, and Easter Eggs). We have baked desserts together.....My!!..I think we have turned into twin "Martha Stewarts"!! Just to continue the list of things we have done as sisters.....church, bowling, horseback rides, water boat rides, shopping, dinners with my family and hers, family parties and celebrations, and the list goes on. The special thing about my little is that she constantly makes me laugh with her actions and funny stories. I guess in a nutshell, I am trying to convey that being involved in BBBS has been the most rewarding activity that I have ever been involved in. The value it has added to my life is incalculable. I hope others will consider being part of this rewarding program. I have been truly blessed.

This organization has provided an opportunity for at risk children to have additional positive, caring, and instructive adult input into their lives. It has been my priviledge to participate these last 10 years in weekly (school year) activities including fun and social, but most importantly the chance to develop a relationship that tells the child they are valuable and deserve to have every opportunity to learn and grow. The responses these children have provided back to me have been among my greatest life blessings.

BBBS of the Heart of Georgia is a great program that I've been involved with for the last five school years. The staff has been very supportive and always checking to see how my little and I are doing. My little sister, Savannah, means the world to me. We learn from each other and teach each other things. I want to instill in her the value of volunteering. When Savannah told me that she thinks of me as her real big sister, I wanted to cry. Thanks to the BBBS of the Heart of Georgia for introducing me to a great school (Parkwood Elem) to work with and a fabulous little sister!!!

I have been a Big to two Littles for the last five years. What an incredible experience! I love being able to help with homework, show them how to cook, or expose them to something they've never seen. They are family to me and I to them. BBBS is a great program to share yourself and help out a child. You get the opportunity to see them thrive and grow into young adults. Don't cheat yourself of this experience.

Let me tell you how special and exciting this organization is. I am a first grade teacher. This past year I fell in love with two children who have so much potential but live in very sad foster care situations. I knew if given a mentor to guide them through the journey of wanting to achieve, and seeing the value in a good education, respectful manners, cleanliness, and honor, they would THRIVE. So, my husband and I prayerfully contacted BBBS and asked if we got accepted as Big Brothers and Sisters, could we get these kids signed up and then be matched! It has been unbelievably easy to do, thanks to BBBS. We have enjoyed these kids so much and we hope to be a big part of their life as they continue on with their education. We hope to be able to share in their highs and lows of life. We hope to be with them as they become the amazing and successful adults they deserve to be. Thank you so much BBBS! We appreciate you working with us to make the matches happen. Susie Burns

I am so encouraged by BBBS,Inc. It has provided an outlet for me to help a child. I was an adopted child and it would have meant so much to me to have had a mentor in my life at a time that was so confusing to me. My cudo's to the Macon/Bibb County BBBS, Inc. Mark Yancey

I feel that the BBBS program is one of the most meaningful and successful program there is in the Middle GA area. If we could get more people to volunteer for this, it would be tremendous. Keep up the good work BBBS!!

I've been a BIG to my three LITTLES for a little over 1 year and I love it. My littles live with their mom and are 6, 8, and 13. Mom struggles to provide simple things and at times just needs a break, that's where I come in. I pick the girls up every other Saturday and spend 4-5 hours with them. We usually bake cookies or a cake, then play games or color. For Christmas and Mother's day we all worked together on simple crafts to make their mom a gift. I think the best one was the t-shirt with their pictures on it. My oldest little struggles with reading so we try to make time to sit and read together, then talk about what she read. I also do other things with them such as roller skating (them, I watch) or a dollar movie. Since money is tight we tend to do lots of things at home. I have also done things like buy tennis shoes for school or an outfit now and then. While tis is not necessary as a BIG, I think for me it's important. I remember being the child whose parents couldn't afford new shoes at the start of a school year, always wearing hand me downs. I just love being a BIG, I love being able to make a difference in their lives, if in no other way then to make time for them, when you have time for somebody your telling them "YOU MATTER". I hope to be around for a long time so that I can watch my littlest little graduate and go on to college.

I have been involved with Big Brothers/Sisters for over 20 years and have seen the impact that local volunteers make on the community and the people that live in the Middle Georgia area.Big Brothers/Sisters of the Heart of Georgia are fiscally responsible for the money they manage and fills a big void in the daily lives of children throughout Middle Georgia. I am proud to be affliated with such a great organization.

Big Brothers Big Sisters, Inc. is a huge asset to our community as they pair often directionless youth with an adult mentor who can help them identify life goals and take the first steps to reach those goals.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization has been a blessing to my wife, both of our Littles, and to me. There a great deal for a child to understand about life and this world, most of which he or she can only get from another individual. In a perfect world, every child would get much of what they need in a loving two parent home. But this is the real world and there are scores of children who need a caring mentor from outside of the home. Big Brothers Big Sisters makes that possible children in Central Georgia. They are making the world better one child at a time. An investment in Big Brothers Big Sisters can benefit all generations from this point forward.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia has grown so much to help so many more kids in Central Georgia. They recruit thousands of volunteers each year to mentor kids and support them for higher achievement of the children. And the kids and volunteers love it. Kids are staying in school, avoiding risky behaviors, and getting along better with friends and family.