CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Big Brothers Big Sisters is celebrating 50 years of providing one-to-one mentoring for youth of Clarksville. The nonprofit works to give children greater confidence, attain educational success and reach their full potential.

Executive Director Sandra Brandon said they work with youth from all backgrounds, and on average they serve around 100 children each year with their mentoring programs, matching youth and adults.  

Variety of programs to meet needs

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a partner agency of the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region, and they offer a number of programs.

The School-Based Program operates in select Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools with matches made at the elementary school level. The matches offer a one-to-one relationship, with the Big Brothers and Sisters meeting at the school for a minimum of one hour each week. The children chosen as Little Brothers or Sisters are referred by a teacher or school counselor.  

There is also a Community-Based Program, where matches go out into the community and participate in low- to no-cost activities. Once again, these are one-to-one relationships, and they meet two to four times a month for a couple of hours.

Two other available programs are the Group Mentorship Community-Based Program for STEM, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math.

There is also a Group Mentorship Community-Based Program known as Sports Buddies, which is sport activity focused 

Young Big Brothers needed

More mentors are needed, especially men as Big Brothers and mentors. BB/BS has over 60 kids on their wait list. “That’s our greatest need is to get those kids on the wait list a match.” Brandon said.

That wait list is made of around 40 young boys, and the organization is looking for young men in the community to step up and be a mentor. Brandon said the Little Sisters and Big Sisters get matched a lot more quickly.   

“We have a very hard time finding male Bigs, especially younger male Bigs. Everybody wants that uncle type figure in their life,” Brandon said. For the young boys on the wait list, Brandon said their parents want them to find that male role model in their life.

BB/BS events every year

The organization also features events for both Bigs and Littles, working with many supporting community partners. There is the popular Bowl for Kid’s Sake and Bankers Challenge bowling, the Big Night of Bourbon, along with many other events and activities throughout the year.  

Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville, volunteer to be a Big Brother or Big Sister, or show your support through a donation. Visit bbbsclarksville.org, go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville Facebook page or call 931-647-1418.

Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is a Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.

| LOCAL NONPROFITS: Your Clarksville Now guide to getting help, giving help