The Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters (HOIBBBS) has been serving low-income, underprivileged youth from single-parent families for more than 30 years. HOIBBBS serves Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Knox, Fulton, Marshall and Stark counties. Our mentoring programs prevent juvenile delinquency, and divert thousands of youth at-risk of becoming involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides mentoring services to clients in two ways. The first is Community based mentoring, where the mentor and child meet outside of school hours – usually evenings or weekends. The second option is School-based mentoring, where mentors visit with their child once weekly during the school day. Both locations require the same screening, training, and ongoing support for both mentor and the child’s family. Children are referred to our program for various reasons, most commonly:

• From single-parent homes, most often a single mother with children
• Low income homes
• Low self-esteem, academic issues, behavior issues
• Exposure to violence, criminal activity or the incarceration of a parent

We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult, and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become responsible men and women.