Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier (Be-A-Friend Program, Inc.) creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. 

Since the agency was founded, Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped thousands of local children reach their full potential through mentoring. The agency’s safe and trusted mentoring program has a proven record of success for improving the social, emotional and educational skills for children, as well as helping to reduce barriers and support racial equity. In 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters will impact the lives of 430 children residing in Erie, Niagara, and Cattaraugus Counties through mentoring.

"(We) just have fun together. We shop. We watch movies. We go for bike rides, go to parks, the zoo. We talk. We learn. We grow together. We laugh. We cry. We support each other during the hard times. We celebrate the WINS as they come our way. We just do life together. The good. The bad. All of it." -Big Sister Candice, matched since 2017

Your gift can help children achieve their biggest possible futures by giving them the opportunity to have a Big that they both need and want.  

"(Big Brothers Big Sisters) makes me feel good because I have a very good Big Sister and she's the best because she takes me to the coolest places!"." -Little Sister Precious, matched since 2023

Volunteers Needed! In addition to your donation, you can make a BIG difference in the life a child by becoming a volunteer mentor, a Big. To learn more about becoming a Big, or to get started, go to BiggerTogether.org.

"He has gained a Big Sister who is so special to him, that filled a void he was missing. He has gained so much confidence and such an awesome relationship." -BBBS Parent

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara and the Southern Tier (Be-A-Friend Program, Inc.) is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth, with the vision that all youth achieve their full potential.