OUR MISSION
To assist children, from primarily lone parent families in Cornwall and S. D. & G., to achieve their full potential through mentoring programs with caring, responsible adult volunteers.

WE URGENTLY NEED BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS

1. WHO ARE LITTLE BROTHERS AND LITTLE SISTERS?
They are girls and boys between the ages of 6 and 16 living primarily with a single parent - the mother in the case of boys, mother or father in the case of girls.

2. WHERE DO THESE CHILDREN COME FROM?
The children are residents of Cornwall and Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and are normally referred to our Agency by their parents. On occasion, referrals may originate from schools or other social agencies acquainted with the child's situation.

3. WHAT TYPE OF CHILDREN BECOME LITTLE BROTHERS OR LITTLE SISTERS?
They are generally just "normal" children. However, often the parent may have to combine employment with raising children and sometimes just doesn't have the time to give the child as much attention as needed. For the boys, the longer they are without a male influence, the more difficult it is for them to cope.

4. WHAT TYPE OF PERSON BECOMES A BIG BROTHER, BIG SISTER OR MENTOR?
People who care, who understand and appreciate the art of friendship. These volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, married or single.

5. WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BIG BROTHER OR BIG SISTER IN THE ONE ON ONE PROGRAM?
The volunteer is expected to be with the child regularly once a week for an average of three to four hours. However, the time and frequency of contact is essentially a matter of sound judgement and mutual consideration of both the volunteer and the child.

6. HOW ARE THE VOLUNTEERS MATCHED?
This is arranged by those who have interviewed the volunteer and the child. After careful study, the two are matched on the basis of background, similar interests, personal characteristics and geographic location and the needs of the child.

7. HOW DO THE VOLUNTEER AND THE CHILD SPEND THEIR TIME TOGETHER?
Basically, they share their interests and activities together, on a one-to-one basis. The volunteer spends little or no time in the child's home, except for picking up or returning the child from an outing.

8. IS THIS A LONG TERM COMMITTMENT?
It requires a minimum period of one year.

9. ARE THERE ANY GROUP ACTIVITIES?
Yes, on a monthly basis. However, the emphasis of our program is a one-to-one relationship.

10. WHAT SATISFACTION WOULD YOU GET OUT OF BEING A BIG BROTHER OR BIG SISTER?
First, you will have many enjoyable outings with the child...sharing interests - and discovering new things together. Second, you will make a life-long friend. Third, you will have helped someone who really wants and needs you. Fourth, you will have made a contribution to your community.

Thinking about becoming a Big? 
Consider the benefits children in our programs gain:
91% feel better about themselves.
65% have improved self-confidence.
67% have a better sense of right and wrong.
76% show improved school grades.
80% have a better school attendance record.
82% develop  better relationships with their teacher.
90% get along better with other kids.

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