One Child at a Time

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: April 2025

In today’s fast-paced and often fragmented world, families face a wide array of challenges.

From balancing work and home life to managing financial stresses and navigating complex educational systems, it’s easy for some children to slip through the cracks.

However, Big Brothers Big Sisters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing one-on-one mentorship for children locally, continues to be an invaluable resource for families in need in Macon and Jackson counties for over 23 years. By creating lasting relationships between children and adult mentors, BBBS has proven to be a powerful and effective support system for families across the country.

BBBS’s mission is simple: to ignite the potential in young people by pairing them with caring adult mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and support. The core idea is that every child has the potential for success and that a positive, consistent mentor can play a transformative role in a child’s life.

Through its programs, BBBS helps to address some of the most critical gaps that children and families experience, providing not only mentorship but a broader network of support that empowers children and strengthens families.

Mentorship can be a game-changer for children. According to research, youth who have mentors are more likely to perform better in school, have better social skills, and avoid risky behaviors. Mentorship also fosters emotional well-being, as children develop greater self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of belonging. However, many children, especially those in underserved communities, lack access to positive role models, which can lead to feelings of isolation, low academic performance, and an increased likelihood of getting involved in negative influences.

This is where BBBS steps in. The organization focuses on pairing children with mentors—known as “Bigs”—who provide stability, guidance, and encouragement. These relationships are built on trust and mutual respect, with mentors offering their time, attention, and wisdom to help children navigate life’s challenges. These partnerships are not just about providing advice; they are about offering a consistent presence in a child’s life, which can be a lifeline for many.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is not just an organization – it’s a critical family resource that helps to bridge gaps, build confidence, and create stability for families. Through mentorship, BBBS empowers children, strengthens families, and enriches communities. By pairing children with positive role models, BBBS provides much-needed support and guidance to both children and their families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.