Power of the match. . .
The power of a Big Brothers Big Sisters match lies in the friendship we facilitate. A first ballgame, a heart-to-heart talk, or a milk-through-the-nose laugh might not seem earth-shattering, but the power of that moment can be life-altering and truly part of something BIG. A landmark study confirmed that children are more likely to excel and make better choices when they have experienced the power of a Big Brothers Big Sister match.

Magic. . .
Each of us remembers the adults, other than our parents, who brought a little magic into our lives. Every child can benefit from the additional caring and insight a Big offers, and the value their shared experience creates.

Every Big brings something to the table. A caring adult sharing everyday experiences wit ha child is the core premise on which our organization is built. Each match holds promise. Each match makes MAGIC.

The Vision: is to be the leader in organizing our communities and to provide mentors for every child who needs assistance in their positive development. We will ensure that every child we serve is provided a greater understanding and appreciation for their own uniqueness and the diversity of their community.

The Values: the following values guide our agency in the decisions we make: Our board, staff, volunteers and families will mirror the communities we serve. We will celebrate our cultural differences and embrace the diversity of our communities. We will constantly strive to provide the highest level of customer service to our families, children, volunteers, community partners, and employees. We will serve as "good stewards" for the community resources entrusted to us. We will constantly strive to provide the highest quality of services that will include safety and positive outcomes for all children.

History: In 1952, the Optimist Club of Saginaw provided a grant to initiate a Big Brothers agency.  Subsequently, 18 interested individuals formed the first board of directors of Big Brothers of Saginaw, Inc., and in April 1953, the agency officially became a corporation. 

In May 1973, an office was opened in Bay City and the name was changed to Big Brothers of Saginaw Bay Area, Inc.  In May 1975, a Big Sisters program was added in Bay County. 

On September 1, 1982, Big Brothers of Saginaw Bay Area and Big Sisters of Saginaw County merged to form Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saginaw Bay Area, Inc.  Our agency is a non-sectarian, multi-racial agency serving Saginaw and Bay counties.  We currently are housed at 1308 Columbus, Suite 106, in Bay City and 1910 Fordney Street, in Saginaw. 

For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saginaw Bay Area (BBBS) has been committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the youth we serve through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships for youth in the Saginaw Bay area.  BBBS serves youth ages 5 to 18 from families where one adult figure of the same sex is either not available (e.g. single parent families) or is available on a limited basis (e.g. an alcoholic or extensively absent parent).  Research has shown that these youth are “at risk” for certain unhealthy or destructive behaviors ranging from truancy to increased drug usage, alcoholism and violence.  Research also consistently demonstrates that one-to-one mentoring helps these youth overcome the many challenges they face.   

Program participants benefit from adult companionship, mentorship and development of life skills, all of which assist them in becoming socially, emotionally and physically healthy. 

The name of our organization is synonymous with one-to-one mentoring.  Our professionals match Littles (youth) to Bigs (trained mentors), support these safe relationships with skills and compassion, and pave the way for lifelong friendships that create lifelong memories.  Studies have confirmed that youth are more likely to excel and make better choices when they have experienced the power of a BBBS match.  BBBS will always stress child safety and program quality and impact while we increase the number of children we serve.