"A girl cared for today, is a woman caring for tomorrow"
The Big Sisters Association of Welland, Port Colborne & Pelham
This chapter was founded in 1968 by a group of concerned citizens. The agency is an incorporated, non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and funded by the United Way of South Niagara.
The Purpose
To provide girls with the opportunity for optimal growth, development and social adjustment, through friendship with a woman she can trust.
Philosophy
Big Sisters is committed to helping Canadian girls and young women who face difficult challenges in their personal lives, at home or at school. Since 1912, Big Sisters have provided friendship, support and an open ear to thousands of Little Sisters who have benefitted from this special one to one relationship. The Big Sisters Association is committed to meeting the specific needs of girls through the programming they offer.
The Focus
To offer support to a girl over some of the rough spots and on to a happier and productive life.
The Key
The key is friendship that develops in a Big and Little Sister relationship is unique, challenging and rewarding. Through the example of her Big Sister's lifestyle, a Little Sister may see other values, outlooks or ways of resolving problems. These experiences may prevent the development of serious problems caused by the social influence of peers and other social pressures in today's world.
The Little Sister
A girl, six to eighteen years of age, who may be experiencing difficulty with family, school or peer relationships. She may require support in adjusting to an unstable home life, financial difficulties, frequent moves, family breakdown, responsibility for younger siblings or in developing positive social relationships and life skills. She most often comes from a single parent, mother-led home, or she may live in a family where both parents, grandparents or a single father are providing s upport.
The child may be referred to the Big Sisters Association by parents, social service agencies, schools, clergy or relatives. Only with the agreement of the girl and her parents does she become a Little Sister.
The Big Sister
A woman, eighteen years and over, single or married, from a diverse background, who sincerely likes children and is willing to share three to four hours a week with a child in need. She must be mature, well-adjusted, dependable, respecting of others, fun-loving and have a stable lifestyle.
A Big Sister is carefully screened by the Agency's social work staff. Following a training meeting, she is matched to a compatible Little Sister. Ongoing supervision and support are provided by the Agency staff throughout the match to ensure a mutually rewarding relationship.
The Monthly Recreation Volunteer
A woman who is interested in helping, but does not have the time to be a Big Sister. She serves as a "Big Sister for the Day" by taking an unassigned Little Sister to our monthly recreation event. This allows the Little Sister to be involved in at least part of our program while she is waiting for her Big Sister.
The Teen Group Program
For Little Sisters, twelve to sixteen years of age. It offers further opportunites for the girls to share their feelings, ideas and experiences. Enhancement of self-esteem and healthy peer relationships are important goals of this program.
Slate of Officers for the Executive Committee Chairpersons Past President Executive Committee President Fund Raising Committee 1st Vice President Policy Committee 2nd Vice President Public Relations Committee Treasurer Recreation Committee Secretary
For further information about Big Sisters or information on monthly activities please contact:
Big Sisters Association of Welland, Port Colborne & Pelham
800 Niagara Street
Welland, Ontario
L3C 5Z4
Phone: 732-2341
OR
©
Big Sisters Association of Welland, Port Colborne & Pelham is a United Way Member Agency
