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Interested in Becoming a Big?
You have a BIG opportunity in front of you— to not only impact a child’s life today— but to transform their potential for tomorrow.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, we serve nearly 1,400 youth through our unique mentoring programs in order to ignite the power and promise of youth. All of our Littles are unique and come from diverse backgrounds and have a variety of interests and aspirations. But the one thing all of our Littles have in common, is that they are ecstatic to have a Big! You may be the perfect fit for one of our waiting Littles!

​To meet our community's mentoring needs, we pride ourselves on celebrating inclusiveness and welcome all Bigs; regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, nation of origin, sexual orientation, gender expression, or socioeconomic status.  

Representation Matters


​​Inclusive Mentorship
To be a Big with us, it does not matter what your annual salary is, what religion you practice (or don't), or your family's background. We are excited that you are here and have chosen to take this first step in enhancing a young person's life for the better, forever.

Research has shown that having a positive mentor from a similar background can create greater self-esteem, and may offset the impact of oppression and/or societal barriers.

Para ser un Big con nosotros, no importa cuál sea su salario anual o sus antecedentes personales o la historia familiar. Estamos entusiasmados de que esté aquí y haya elegido dar este primer paso para mejorar la vida de una persona joven para siempre.

​Bigs in Blue
The Bigs in Blue program matches youth with police officers. We also love having mentors that are in the FBI, firefighters, military police, EMS, and other law enforcement agencies and personnel. 

The program focuses on improving relationships between police and youth in the community through building trusting, one-to-one relationships, especially in communities where this trust has been strained. 

Bigs in Blue welcomes all persons wearing a badge to learn more about this unique mentoring program, catered to building bridges between our youth and those who serve them.

​LGBTQ Bigs
We welcome all persons as mentors in our program and will celebrate what makes you, you.

  Why our LGBTQ youth need
strong and understanding mentors:​
  • 6% of all young people (8-18 years) identify as LGBTQ
  • 57% of them feel unsafe at school
  • 77% of youth in Kentucky hear verbal harassment for their sexual orientation 
  • 88% hear homophobic remarks 
  • 86% hear negative remarks about gender expression 
  • 77% hear negative remarks about the trans community
  • 19% reported being unable to wear LGBTQ supportive apparel 
Source: GLSEN 2017

       

Be a Big!

​As a Big, you can give a young person an opportunity to see beyond their world and dream BIG. So join the hundreds of volunteers who give a young person someone to look up to. By giving your time and mentorship, you can see why so many are now saying, "I get so back much more than I give." We are always in need of all types of Bigs, but we are especially in need of more Big Brothers. 

Why do we need Big Brothers?
More than 70% of our youth waiting for a Big are boys looking for a positive, encouraging, safe, male connection, but only 3 out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men. Research shows that having the positive influence of a Big Brother makes a real difference in a young man's life. So join the hundreds of volunteers who give a young person someone to look up to. 
The Commitment      
For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their lives. Sometimes, it’s as simple as playing video or board games, going to a museum, working on homework, or grabbing a bite to eat. Have some questions? Check out the Big FAQ page or contact us at bbbsky@bbbsky.org. 
Are you ready to
​be a Big?
​​Just fill out our simple online application. After completion, a Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will contact you within one business day. For more information about being a Big, please contact us at bbbsky@bbbsky.org or at 502-587-0494​.
Do you know someone who would be a great Big?
Let us know! At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re always looking for more mentors. We have young persons ready to be matched right now and your friend, relative, or colleague could be the perfect match!
​*Page content developed, formatted, and created by Valerie DiGangi, MA, NCC and Marianna Strasz, MSSW* ​​