There’s a kid on Long Island right now who’s waiting. Not for a miracle. Not for perfection.
Just someone who’ll show up.
At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI), we believe that the smallest actions—lunch at a diner, a walk around the block, a check-in after school—can grow into something that lasts a lifetime. That’s what happens when you decide to mentor a child on Long Island.
The Truth? They Just Need Someone Real
When we ask the Littles in our program what they like best about their Bigs, we hear things like:
“They don’t judge me.”
“They make me laugh.”
“They listen.”
They’re not asking for superheroes. They’re asking for you.
Someone who sees them. Someone who stays.
Mentoring Is Simple. The Impact Isn’t.
You don’t need hours every week or a background in youth work.
You just need to be consistent.
✅ A few hours a month
✅ One match (we help you find the right one)
✅ Tons of support from our BBBSLI team
And what do you give? A sense of stability. A reminder that someone cares. A model of what’s possible.
When You Mentor a Child, You Change Two Lives
Here’s the secret most mentors don’t realize until they’ve done it:
You’re not just helping a child grow. You’re growing too.
Many Bigs tell us they’ve gained more than they ever imagined:
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A renewed sense of purpose
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A deeper connection to the community
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Real joy in small moments
Local Stories That Stick With You
One mentor was matched with a 10-year-old boy who’d recently lost his father. At first, their outings were quiet—just sitting on a bench, watching the waves. Over time, the child began to open up.
Now, they play basketball every Saturday. The boy’s grades are improving. He recently told his mentor, “I want to be someone like you.”
This is what mentoring looks like. Small acts. Big ripples.
Long Island Needs More of This
Our kids are dealing with more than ever—anxiety, loneliness, family stress.
And many of them have no one outside their home to talk to.
When you mentor a child on Long Island, you give them someone steady in a world that often feels shaky.
You become part of the solution, right here in our own backyard.
Not Sure You’re “Qualified”? Good.
The best mentors are regular people:
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A teacher who has a few free weekends
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A young professional who remembers what it was like to struggle in school
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A retiree who wants to give back
You don’t need a perfect schedule or a polished story. Just an open heart and a little time.
Ready to Be That Person?
Becoming a mentor through BBBSLI is easier than you think:
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Reach out to us
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Complete a training session
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Get matched with a child who’s excited to meet you
