My mentors have shaped the course of my life. From keeping me out of trouble in high school, guiding me through college, and supporting me in my professional life, strong, smart, independent women have taken time from their lives to help me. As someone who's been shaped by these caring women, I know it's important to pass that gift on to younger women in my life and community. That's why I signed up to be a Big Sister for the very program I work for. 

In June of last year, I met Taylor. At the time, Taylor was 15, struggling at school and adjusting to living with her mom and siblings again. On our first outing she said "I thought this was going to be boring. I almost said no. But I think it'll actually be ok." Since then we've connected while jumping on trampolines, getting our nails done, eating cookie dough, and eating many meals together. She's doing better in school, is hysterically funny, and is a fantastic Big Sister to her four younger siblings. Right now we're trying to find her a part time job so that she can save up to buy a car. It doesn't feel like I'm changing her life, but I'm sure my mentors didn't know they were changing mine while we were drinking tea and talking. I'm excited to watch Taylor grow up and will be there to support her however I can, even if it's just showing up with french fries and some time listen. 

There are nearly 200 kids currently waiting for Big Brothers and Sisters of their own. Your donation wil cover the cost of interviewing, screening, and matching new volunteers with those kids. You can change a child's life with a donation of any size. 

Grow Something Big is all about celebrating the life-changing impact of mentoring and bringing that opportunity to more kids throughout the Capital Region. We can all think of mentors who've helped us grow into the people we are today. Where would you be without that person? Some communities don't have acces to an information network of mentors. That's where you come in. You can bring caring mentors into children's lives. Mentors help them think about their futures, making healthy choices, and having positive relationships. When you make a donation of any size, it changes lives. 

$15 - pays to bring a child to and from the Site-Based Program to see their college-aged mentors

$25 - interview of one child and their parent

$50 - state and federal backgrouned check for one volunteer

$100 - volunteer recruitment efforts

$250 - full enrollment of one volunteer