Become a Big. Change a Life.

It’s truly a fun, life changing volunteer experience that gives the invaluable gift of friendship. Here are the basic steps we need each volunteer applicant to complete.

Enroll a Youth. Inspire Growth.

We’d love the opportunity to provide your child with another positive, adult role model and help ignite their full potential.

Donate Now. Fuel Their Potential.

Do something big. You can have a direct impact on the children in our community.

Role Models Change lives

In a world of causes, we make a difference by creating professionally supported, one-to-one matches for kids to realize their full potential. Our youth mentors are more than just volunteers--they’re heroes.

Life-changing matches

Together, we clear the path to a child’s Biggest possible future by empowering them to pursue their dreams.

Supported every step

During a time when small choices can make a Big impact in a child's future, there is no better time to provide life changing mentorship than now.

Dozens of kids are waiting

for a match right here in Southwestern Illinois. Will you help us end their wait?

Upcoming Events

Community Sat, Nov 8 • O'Fallon

BIG IMPAct Gala

Step into an evening of elegance and inspiration at the 10th Annual Big Impact Gala, benefitting BBBS of Southwestern Illinois!

Join
Fundraising Thu, April 10 • Fairview Heights

TRIVIA FOR KIDS' SAKE

Your participation directly helps us provide life-changing mentorship and expand our reach to even more children in the Metro East.

Register
Volunteer Sat, Sep 27 • Belleville

Team Big Defenders

Run with us and experience the thrill of race day, the power of encouragement, and the strength of a supportive community from start to finish.

Learn More
Fundraising Tue, April 2 • Belleville

6th annual bbbs CASH RAFFLE

By entering a chance to win in our cash raffle you are also directly supporting children in our community

Register
Fundraising Tue, Sep 18 • Metro East

Annual HOME RAFFLE

The BBBS Home Raffle gives you the chance to win the home of your dreams—and provide a child with the opportunity for a brighter tomorrow.

Register
Training Tue, Oct 8 • Cottonwood

Mentor Training Workshop

Gain skills and resources to enhance your mentoring journey and support youth success.

Sign Up

Our Impact

Our evidence-based Big Heroes program builds social and emotional support, confidence and resilience that help to ensure young people:

0 %

OF HOUSEHOLDS SERVED LIVE BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL

0 %

OF CHILDREN SERVED LIVE IN SINGLE
PARENT OR NON TRADITIONAL HOUSEHOLDS

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SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS
YOUTH SERVED ANNUALLY

Latest News & Stories

Updates from Big Brothers Big Sisters of SouthWestern Illinois.

How to Protect Your Child’s Mental Health

Blog September 25, 2025

IS YOUTH SERVICE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Blog September 25, 2025

Why Charity is Good for Business

Blog September 25, 2025

Showing up is a Big deal

Research shows that the presence of a caring adult role model in a child’s life is one of the single most important factors in building a child’s resilience. Our Bigs and Littles share everyday activities together: eating out, playing sports, attending events, going to the movies, sightseeing, and just hanging out.

But what matters most are not the activities. It’s the fact that these children have someone in their life they can confide in and to look up to. There are many ways to support the mission. How will you show up to help kids reach their full potential?

You can help by…

Real stories.
Real impact.

Mentor portrait
Supporter portrait
Mentor portrait
Mentors & supporters nationwide

“My dad was also a Big so he inspired me to become one too! I love spending time with my Little and she enjoys spending time with me because we share similar interests and hobbies. I love that I get to show her what my life as a young adult woman is like.”

— BIG COURTNEY & LITTLE JOSEPHINE

“ Being in the Big Brothers program gives me the opportunity to have a similar impact on someone else, which is incredibly meaningful to me. Being a Big Brother is also allowing me to develop a great friendship with my Little.”

— BIG AUSTIN & LITTLE PEYTON

“At first I wondered if I was too old, but mentoring has been nothing but rewarding—seeing [John] happy and gaining new opportunities makes it all worthwhile.”

— BIG BROTHER JERRY

A few hours a month can ignite a lifetime of potential. Sign up to mentor a youth today.

Give your child a caring mentor to guide them toward a brighter future.

Our Community Partners

Thank you to the businesses, schools, and organizations powering mentoring in Yavapai County and beyond.