FIND YOUR BIG JOY 
IN COUNTLESS LITTLE MOMENTS.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan (BBBSSEM), we believe that every child has inherent and limitless potential, and with the right support and encouragement, they can achieve amazing things. 

BBBS is the nation’s largest mentoring organization, matching caring adult mentors (Bigs) with children and teens (Littles) to create life-changing relationships. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to ignite potential and build brighter futures through the power of mentorship.

But here’s the best part-      mentorship is a two-way street.

Every small, shared moment—laughing over a silly joke, conquering a new challenge, or simply being there for each other—adds up to something extraordinary. These “Little Moments” create a ripple effect, bringing Big Joy to both mentor and mentee.
  • For Littles: It’s about gaining confidence, discovering new possibilities, and feeling supported as they take on the world.
  • For Bigs: It’s about finding purpose, building connections, and experiencing the unique joy of making a difference in someone’s life.

​THEY ARE WAITING...

Over 200 kids are waiting for a caring adult, some for over a year. Discover your BIG JOY and help end the wait for one Little today!

ACROSS EVERY SECTOR,
EVERY CULTURE,
& EVERY REALM OF SOCIETY,
MENTORSHIP MATTERS.

CRITICAL NEED

Today’s young people are navigating an opportunity desert. With rising poverty rates, unequal access to education, mental health struggles, and isolated communities, barriers to success have never been higher. The pandemic only deepened these challenges, leaving many young people without the support they need to thrive.

Mentorship can change that. A positive, sustained mentor provides the guidance, encouragement, and connection young people need to overcome obstacles and realize their potential. By investing in mentorship, we empower today’s youth and lay the foundation for stronger, more equitable communities tomorrow.
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Join us in making a difference—because every young person deserves the chance to succeed.

WHY CHOOSE BBBS?

PROVEN OUTCOMES
​With over 120 years of experience, Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s leader in mentorship. Our proven 1-to-1 mentoring model goes beyond traditional mentoring, creating an ecosystem of personalized support, meaningful relationships, and life-changing outcomes.

BBBS is more than a program—it’s a movement. With 230+ affiliate agencies nationwide, we provide tailored, evidence-based support to meet young people where they are, free of charge.

Every match is carefully crafted to ensure safe, lasting connections, guided by trained professionals who empower both Littles and Bigs to thrive.
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We adapt to changing needs while staying focused on what matters most: fostering belonging, building social and emotional health, and unlocking potential for brighter futures. Together, we create relationships that transform lives—and communities.
TRANSFORM LIVES
​Mentorship changes lives. Young people with mentors experience greater confidence, make healthier choices, and achieve more in education and career. They are:
  • 2x more likely to hold leadership roles.
  • 41% less likely to engage in substance abuse.
  • 2x more likely to pursue higher education.
  • On average, they’ll earn $200,000 more over their lifetime.
Mentorship doesn’t just transform today—it shapes brighter futures for individuals and entire communities. Together, we can unlock that potential.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Big Brothers Big Sisters is more than a mentoring program—it’s an engine for economic impact. By fostering economic connectedness, BBBS increases lifetime earnings by 20%, with mentored youth earning more and achieving higher upward mobility.
The ripple effects are profound:
  • Mentored individuals generate $200,000 to $500,000 more over their lifetimes.
  • Every $1 invested in BBBS creates a $3 return by reducing public costs on crime, education, and social services.
  • The program pays for itself within just 7 years through increased tax revenue and societal benefits.
When we invest in mentorship, we empower young people to thrive, build stronger communities, and create a brighter economic future for all. Together, we can change lives—and the world.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Big Brothers Big Sisters creates powerful connections that ripple across communities. Our mentoring programs close two-thirds of the socio-economic gap for Littles, helping them achieve upward mobility and unlock brighter futures. Littles’ adult incomes often align more closely with their Bigs than their family’s, breaking cycles of poverty and creating lasting change.

Mentorship fosters meaningful relationships across socioeconomic, racial, and geographic lines, building a more connected and equitable society. With 74% of mentees crediting their Bigs for their success, the impact is undeniable. Mentors, too, experience lasting civic engagement and fulfillment.
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Together, we’re not just changing lives—we’re strengthening the fabric of entire communities.

THE TRUTH IS...

In a world where 1 in 3 people feel lonely, mentorship offers a powerful antidote. For mentees, it builds confidence, belonging, and hope. For mentors, it sparks purpose, joy, and deeper connection.
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Mentorship isn’t just support—it’s a two-way relationship that transforms lives on both sides. In a time when we’re all seeking more meaning, mentoring creates the connection we need to thrive together.
Donations empower youth by providing them with opportunities, resources, and experiences that they may not otherwise have access to.
Mentorship doesn’t just change a child’s life—it transforms yours too. Try new things, learn new things, & find your BIG JOY.
 This isn’t just about academic success or social skills; it’s about helping your child dream big, build resilience, and feel supported every step of the way.

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