Defenders of Potential

Big Brothers Big Sisters is not your typical organization. We help children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities. And we couldn’t do any of it without you.

Changing perspectives. Changing lives.

For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), ages 7 through 14, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. 

The Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. 

The Big Brothers Big Sisters vision is that all youth achieve their full potential.

Big Brothers Big Sisters partners with parents/guardians, volunteers, schools, donors and others in the community to be accountable for helping youth in our program achieve:

-Higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships

-Educational success

-Avoidance of risky behaviors

Our Programs Start Something

Here's the proof.  National research has shown that positive relationships between Littles and their Bigs have a direct and measurable impact on children’s lives.  By participating in our programs, Littles are:

  • more confident in their schoolwork performance
  • able to get along better with their families
  • 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
  • 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
  • 52% less likely to skip school.

Our Values

We believe when every young person has access to a positive mentor, it transforms their lives for the better - empowering them with a stronger sense of belonging and the opportunity to achieve their full potential. No matter their background, experiences, circumstances, or needs, we are committed to ensuring​ every young person has a positive mentor.​ Recognizing and valuing who they are, where they live and how they connect, we create access to resources, people, and opportunities that meet young people where they are.​​ When young people are a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, they gain a supportive village and meaningful connections empowering them to reach their full potential. With the support of a caring mentor, youth feel a sense of belonging - connected to who they are, to what community represents, and to where they can go.​​ We consider safety and well-being to be holistic, including emotional and physical safety, risk reduction, and safe relationships and environments—all core components of youth well-being.​​

Contact Us

Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters
1020 S. Matthew St.
Peoria, IL 61605

309.637.1771 - phone
[email protected] - email

Questions, technical issues, or complaints? Please contact [email protected].