Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grand Island
Valerie Hinrichs, Executive Director

US Bank Building
424 W. Third St.
Grand Island, NE 68801
308-384-3456

Fax: 308-385-5517
Email: bbbsgidirector@windstream.net
Web Site: www.bbbsgi.org
Joined Heartland United Way in 1969

In our own lives, each of us had someone, other than our parents, that made a positive impact on us. Big Brothers/Big Sisters matches children and youth with a mature, positive role model from the community. The foundation of the program is to provide guidance and companionship to children, yielding a strengthened community and changing lives forever.

Programs:

Community-Based (traditional) – A thoroughly screened adult, at least 18 years of age, with a high school diploma or GED, valid drivers license & reliable means of transportation, is matched-up one-to-one with a child between the ages of 6 and 14, for a one year commitment. They are encouraged to stay together until the child turns 18, and are free to meet wherever they choose for around one hour per week.

Couples Match - The same as the Community-Based Program except it involves a married couple being matched with a child.

School-Based - Volunteers have reached at least 18 years of age, high school diploma or GED, valid drivers license, and reliable means of transportation. Volunteers are matched one-to-one with a student at a local elementary school, meet once a week for one hour usually during the lunch hour, one school year commitment, assist with academic studies, play games, do a variety of structured activities and can only meet at the school and at agency sponsored events.

High Five - Same as the School-based except the volunteers are High School students and at least 16 years old.