Our mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Description:
We build relationships between concerned and committed adults (our BIGS) at youth in Richland and Lexington Counties (our LITTLES). Bigs and Littles spend time together each month as friends; learning from each other and creating positive outcomes for the child. Our vision is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them; contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all.

History:
Founded in 1966 by Clayton B. Normand, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia has changed much in the last forty years. Clay and his colleagues worked together, accepted the responsibility as Big Brothers, and their relationships proved to be the beginning of BBBSGC.

In 2008, BBBSGC served 386 children through one-to-one mentoring. This is a 10% increase in service from the previous year, and we have experienced more than 60% growth in mentoring programs since 2004.

In 2008, our Little Brothers and Little Sisters made BIG strides toward success and their potential. They improved in areas like academic performance and behavior, self-confidence and self-expression, reduced delinquency and risky behaviors, and improved relationships with peers, family and other adults.

-100% of our Littles had an immediate increase in their support system.
-97% experienced an increase in their Confidence assets like confidence, self-expression and decision-making.
-79% experienced an increase in their Competence assets, including academic performance and behavior.
-82% experienced an increase in their Caring assets such as showing trust and improving relationships.

Contact people:

Linda Hendricks, (phone), (email) Julie Tovey, President, (phone), (email)

Address:

4300 North Main Street Columbia, SC 29203 (See a map)