Big Brothers Big Sisters Seeks Mentors for Kids in Need

Are you or you or someone you know looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity? If so, consider becoming a mentor to a kid who needs one. Right now, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam (BBBS WP) has over 100 children on our waitlist. All these youths have great potential — to graduate high school, continue their education, get a job, provide for themselves and their families and achieve their dreams. Your guidance, support and encouragement can help any one of these youngsters overcome challenges, build confidence and smile more.

A 2025 study confirms that mentored youth have greater enrollment in higher education, increased salaries, reduced dependency on social services and improved behavioral outcomes. But without more volunteers, BBBS WP’s growing waitlist of kids will miss out on the transformative power of mentorship.

BBBS WP has provided opportunities for mentors like you to make a difference for six decades. Our mentees describe their relationships with their mentors as positive, fun and life-changing. They describe feeling more confident in school and with their peers and excitement about the activities and conversations they share with their mentors/Bigs.

Our mentors often say they also benefit from these relationships. As one mentor put it : “I was able to positively affect my mentee’s life trajectory, but the experience of being a mentor and being able to share my life’s lessons gave as much value to me as it did to her.”

Another volunteer mentor says of their experience, “It keeps me young. I love being part of such an important community of giving people. It’s gratifying to see my ‘Little’ beginning to make good decisions about her own future.”

To be a mentor/Big, you must

-be 21 or older

-complete a BBBS application, interview process, training and background check

-commit to spending 4-6 hours a month with your mentee across 2 outings for at least 1 year

-provide a safe and healthy experience for your mentee in your care

If you or someone you know is interested in being a mentor/Big,or if you have questions, click here.