We are Defenders of Potential

About Us

Since 1977, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island has believed that every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, both as individuals and citizens. By doing so, they will not only do well, they will also do great things.

Big and Little walking inside

Serving LI for Over 40 Years

We believe that by changing the course of young lives we can in turn alter the course of a community’s future. That it will lead to a reduction in poverty and unemployment, to safer schools and neighborhoods, or to a renewed optimism for growth. That it will even lead to change on a broader, more far-reaching scale. We believe that opening a child’s eyes to what is – opens their mind to what could be.

For over 40 years, BBBSLI has been making a positive difference in the lives of Long Island’s youth by developing and implementing a wide range of mentoring programs.

Our Mission:

Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Our Vision:

All youth achieve their full potential.

Our Vision:

All youth achieve their full potential.

Did you Know?

20%

of all current matches have been together for five or more years!

25,000

Annually, BBBSLI Bigs share over 25,000 hours with their Littles!

Accountability Statement

We partner with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community and hold ourselves accountable for each child in our program achieving:

Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships

Avoidance of risky behaviors

Educational success

Unique to BBBSLI, we provide a system of ongoing evaluation and support which is proven by independent studies to help families by improving the odds that Littles will perform better in school, avoid violence and illegal activities, and have stronger relationships with their parents and peers.

We match children between the ages of 7 and 16. Our volunteers are ages 18 and over.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island is a private, non-sectarian, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters International operates in 12 countries. Headquartered in Tampa, FL, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States.

Little with Big in background

Take the First Step Towards Becoming a Mentor