Agency Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a well-known mentoring based nonprofit that creates relationships with the “Big” and a “Little” – and is completely reliant on volunteers. With more than 700 Littles on a wait list, recruiting community members to support participating children is crucial. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) matches a Big with a Little based on background, location, interests and other criteria.

“The ‘match’ is supported by staff throughout the relationship by BBBS staff. We are there to offer advice, but the volunteers are everything,” said Shelby McGarty, Greater Tarrant County Director of Development. “We wouldn’t be a functioning organization without them.”

VOLY.org, powered by VolunteerNow, is an essential tool for BBBS and groups like it. In addition to posting their exact needs, BBBS can communicate with each volunteer about ideas for their Little, share the needs on social media and track how much time each Big spends with their Little.

McGarty said volunteers are always looking for little-to-no-cost ways to make their Little feel special ideally once a week. She said staff exists to facilitate the relationship and allow it to grow and flourish.

“This relationship is something that the Little can lean on when times are difficult and friend that is always there for them and a role model,” McGarty said. “We need willing participants to help us make an impact in a child’s life and make a difference."