What is our impact
2023 Annual Impact Report, click here.
2022 Annual Impact Report, click here.
2021 Annual Impact Report, click here.
2020 Annual Impact Report, click here.
2019 Annual Impact Report, click here.
Our Mentoring Programs prove that a positive relationship between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on youth's lives. By participating in our programs, Little Brothers/Sisters are:
- More confident in their schoolwork performance
- Able to get along better with their families
- 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 37% less likely to skip classes
- 33% less likely to hit someone
- 81% reported that it changed their perspective on what they thought possible in life
Big Brothers Big Sisters believes that it must hold itself accountable to the families, youth, and mentors enrolled in our program. We must hold ourselves accountable to the donors, partners, and advocates who fund our work. That is why a commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and research is at the heart of what we do.
Evidenced-Based Mentoring and J.E.D.I.
Our commitment includes creating a safe and inclusive environment for all Youth to achieve their full potential. Our evidenced-based mentoring practices focus on J.E.D.I- Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We lean-in to our Bigs, Littles, and Parent/Guardians to ensure we are providing the coaching and support needed to foster positive outcomes. Each Little is matched with a Youth Outcomes Development Plan, a Risk & Protective Inventory; this ensures we are meeting the immediate needs of the Little as they grow and progress. Each Match (Big/Little) completes annual surveys where our outcomes are gauged. The Youth Outcomes Survey (for ages 11-18), our Child Outcomes Survey (for ages 6-10), our Strength of Relationships and our Match Satisfaction Surveys complete the annual goals and objectives our programs rely on to Defend the Potential of all youth in our mentoring programs.
Be an ally
Listen: When it comes to being an ally, it is important to not only hear what your Little is saying but to really listen. If your Little opens up to you about harassment or bullying, let them guide the narrative.
Respect Privacy: If your Little opens up to you, recognize the trust they are placing in you. Ask questions to learn more and get clarity on how you can be supportive and with whom this news can be discussed. Avoid premature problem-solving. Follow the youth's lead. Please do talk with your Match Relationship Specialist so we can refer resources and work with the youth to determine ways to be supportive. Do not share with the parent/guardian; this is the youth's news to share when and how they determine. Our job is to support them along the way.
Implicit Biases: Be aware of them. We implore you to dip into self-reflection. Before you respond to something your Little says about their identify or sexuality, acknowledge that systemic homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism may impact your efforts to being an ally. Be forward-thinking in ways you can recognize and challenge your own biases.
Continue Learning: While we have several resources listed within this website, your Match Relationship Specialist has tons of articles to share, too! Your Match Relationship Specialist can give you webinar dates, in-house training opportunities, or engage in conversation with you that allows you to best find ways to be the best ally possible for your Little.
*Adapted from BBBS Northwest Arkansas
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Youth and Family Resources
Local
Counseling Services of SWLA & Disney and Associates, Inc,- Counseling Services is a private rehab located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Disney and Associates - Counseling Services specializes in the treatment of mental health, dual diagnosis, and mental health.
Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center (SWLAHEC)- The mission of the Southwest Louisiana Area Health Education Center (SWLAHEC) is to improve health status through access to information, education and health services. SWLAHEC seeks to improve health through numerous programs focusing on two main areas: 1) recruiting and educating health professionals and 2) educating the public on how to live healthier lives.
PFLAG New Orlenas- PFLAG provides support, advocacey & Education to members of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, their families, allies & community. Since 2014 "PFLAG" is no longer an acronym, just the name of our organization.
State
ACLU-Louisiana- The LGBT Project fights discrimination and moves public opinion through the courts, legislature and public education across five issue areas: Relationships, Youth & Schools, Parenting, Gender Identity and Expression and Discrimination in Employment, Housing and other areas.
Human Rights Campaign-Louisiana: For many years HRC has been creating the most powerful movement for equality our country has ever seen. Assisting marginalized communities that are still suffering from violence, discrimination, and fear. The goal of HRC is to ensure that all LGBTQIA+ people, and particularly those who are trans, people of color and HIV+, are treated as full and equal citizens within our movement, across our country and around the world.
www.hrc.org/in-your-area/louisiana
National
The Trevor Project- The Trevor Project provides lifesaving and life-affirming services to LBGTQIA+ youth. If you need support, call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386.
GLAD- Through strategic litigation, public policy advocacy, and education, works nationally to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation.