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Changing Perspectives. Changing Lives.
For more than 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia has operated under the belief
that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Most children served by Big
Brothers Big Sisters live in single-parent and low-income families, or households where a parent is
incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers
Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children
(“Littles”). Providing a system of ongoing evaluation and support, Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven by
independent studies to help families by improving the odds that Littles will perform better in school,
avoid violence and illegal behaviors, and have stronger relationships with their parents and others. Big
Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia served 415 children in 2016.
Vision
For all children to achieve success in life.
Mission
To provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one
mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.
Accountability
By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and others in the community, we are accountable
for each child in our program achieving:
- Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
- Avoidance of risky behaviors
- Educational success
Service Area
We proudly serve children in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Botetourt County, Christiansburg,
Blacksburg, Radford, and Pulaski County.
Intentionality Statement
While we are committed to meeting the needs of all children who need and want a mentor, it is crucial
to focus intently on tailoring programming to the needs of specific groups or populations.