Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Charlotte County, Inc.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Charlotte County is to positively impact the lives of Charlotte County children through a professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationship with a caring adult volunteer to help the children achieve their potential and grow into confident, competent, and caring individuals.

Description:
Charlotte County Commissioner's survey estimates that there are 3,600 children in Charlotte County who would greatly benefit from mentoring.

The high substance use in Charlotte County is alarming, and affirms the dire need for providing one-to-one mentoring services which have proven to be effective in Charlotte County and the nation.

A national study conducted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America found that mentoring significantly decreases a child's likelihood to use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs; a child's likelihood to become a teen parent; and a child's likelihood to become involved with juvenile delinquency.

It costs almost $1000 to initiate and maintain a match between a Big and a Little for one year. It cost $40,000 to house a child in a juvenile facility.

The study also found that mentoring greatly improves a child's self-esteem, and a child's relationships with peers, family members, and teachers.

Our CORE Program services children ages 5 to 18 years-old who are at a "higher risk" of having low self-esteem, truancy issues, failing in academics, or ending up involved with the juvenile justice system. Identifying children at "higher risk" includes, but is not limited to, children in single parent homes and/or having a parent that is incarcerated. This service provides a one-to-one relationship with Big Brothers and Big Sisters who provide friendship and help build the child's character.

History:
Big Brother Big Sisters has been active in this community for almost 40 years. It is amazing to see a "Little" grow up to graduate, attend college and be able to contribute to the community as many of our success stories have done. Today, we are in elementary, middle, and high schools and throughout the community in Charlotte County.

Contact person: Jesse Embury, Director, Community Outreach, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (941) 625-6392

Address:

3052 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33952 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.bbbsofcc.org

Directions:

We located on 41 side road between Elkam and Port Charlotte Blvd. (beside the Pizza Hut Bistro).

Last updated on January 12, 2009