1. We are the leading youth mentoring organization in Niagara and in Canada. Big Brothers and Sisters is committed to serving children and youth across Canada by providing them with the highest quality one-to-one relationships with screened, caring volunteer mentors. In Niagara, there are currently 5 agencies serving 1800 children. Another 500 are eagerly waiting to be matched! At Greater Fort Erie Big Brothers and Sisters, we are currently serving 200 children in our various programs with more than 50 children anxiously waiting to be matched (In the Big Brother/Sister and In-School Mentoring Program).
2. We are NOT funded by the government. Big Brothers Big Sisters is not government funded. Our Bowl for Kids Sake Campaign now raises more money than we receive from our second largest source, Charitable gaming revenue from Bingos, with United Way funding being approximately 11% of our budget. We are proud of our relationship with United Way and the Town of Fort Erie, but as times get harder in the Gaming Industry, so does our ability to rely on this type of funding. WE, therefore, here in Fort Erie, must fundraise approximately 85% of our budget each and every year to maintain and grow our quality mentoring programs.
3. Programs and services are free to the community. We do not charge any fees to recruit, screen, monitor and support the over 150 volunteers, children, youth and their families that we interact with every year.
4. Our programs and services are cost effective. We have been named one of Forbes Top 10 "Gold Seal Charities" for our outstanding cost-effectiveness in the non-profit sector. Through the recruitment and development of caring, intelligent, giving volunteers, we can effectively make your funds go further. Bottom Line.......we use money wisely!
5. Our mentoring programs have life-long, positive impacts. Big Brothers Big Sisters program research shows the benefits to our children include: 91% feel better about themselves, 65% have improved self-confidence, 67% have a better sense of right and wrong and children participating in our programs go on to graduate from highschool at a rate 20% higher than the National average.
6. We have a MANDATORY National Accrediatation Program. Big Brother Big Sister agencies undergo an accreditation from our National organization every 5 years to ensure that we are following current service delivery standards as well as organizational standards of excellence to ensure that we are providing our communities with the best service possible in an effective manner.
7. Professional Caseworkers deliver our programs. Professional, accredited Caseworkers provide the volunteers, youth, children and their families with the highest quality of support.
8. We provide flexible, exceptional and fun volunteer opportunities. Our volunteers are provided with safe, well-supported experiences that will build their life skills and self-esteem and give them the joy of making a difference in the life of a child.
9. Volunteer Safety Standards are unparalled. Big Brothers and Sisters of Greater Fort Erie's National Standards address all types of safety and security measures. All volunteers and children involved in the program go through a training session before they are matched.
10. Positive outcomes make stronger communities. Our program outcomes go beyond the children and families that we serve. Our programs are about intervention, prevention and buliding resiliency in children and youth, and just providing them with an experience that will remain in their hearts for life. As a result, young people embrace our programs and mature to become productive, contributing members of society. It's a win-win for everyone.