BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
of Santa Clara County
1101 S. Winchester Blvd. #0-280, San Jose, CA 95128
· (408)244-1911
(408)244-9479 fax · Email
Our work is as elementary as putting a friend in a child's life
and as essential as putting hope in a child's future.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Big Brothers and Big Sisters are volunteers who serve as friends and
role models, working hard to improve opportunities for children from
single parent homes. The long term committed relationships of these caring
mentors positively impact the lives of youth.
Children who are at-risk for dropping out,
drug addiction and crime, are provided with positive alternatives and
the opportunity to develop into productive, responsible citizens.
VISIONS OF SUCCESS
Visions of Success (VOS) is a career mentoring program that pairs teen
mothers with positive adult female role models. The mentors provide guidance
and emotional support. VOS offers workshops in vocational exploration,
job skills, personal development, self esteem and parenting skills. This
program
helps teen mothers create a better future for themselves and their children.
ADVENTURE TRIPS
For over 23 years, Big Brother Dave Axthelm has been coordinating Adventure
Trips for children who are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or
Big Sister. These outdoor wilderness trips include skiing, canoeing,
hiking, whitewater rafting and backpacking. Providing invaluable
leadership experience, many children go on to serve as junior trip leaders.
Program Outcomes Show Mentoring Works
Children from single parent families
struggle with high rates of school drop out, trouble with the law and teen paren
thood. But the 210 children matched with Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers are
overcoming incredible odds. These children stay away from drugs and alcohol, do better in school,
relate better to family and friends and avoid high-risk behavior.
The results of on-going surveys of parents/clients and volunteers show that in 1996/97, for children and youth matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
- 98% improved or maintained personal competence (e.g. self confidence, anger management, hygiene);
- 97% improved or maintained social competence;
- 96% improved or maintained cognitive/academic competence; and
- 97% avoided at-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse, delinquency, early parenthood, alcohol/drug use and gang involvement.
In addition, when matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
- 99% of the children did not use drugs or alcohol;
- 99% of the children did not get involved with gangs;
- 98% of the children did not get involved with the juvenile justice system;
and
- 100% of these children did not become teen parents or pregnant.
Copyright © 1995-2000 InfoPoint®, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
