Changing Lives for the Better, Forever

We serve children living or attending school in Harrisonburg City, Rockingham County, and Shenandoah County. We have programs in every area elementary and middle school. Our mentors work with children in the community, in their schools, and in many places in between. Our unique brand of one-to-one mentoring has a big impact all over our community.

What do we achieve?

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps kids do better in school, stay away from risky behaviors like fighting or using drugs and alcohol, and boosts their self-confidence. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters by regularly measuring our impact.

Whom do we serve?

Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives of children facing adversity between 5 and 18 years of age. Our network of volunteers, donors and supporters comes from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all corners of our community.

What do we do?

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches kids facing challenges (Littles) with caring adult mentors (Bigs) in one-on-one relationships. These connections, supported by professional staff, help change lives for the better.

Community-Based

Bigs and Littles meet 2-4 times a month to have fun in the community

School-Based

Bigs and Littles meet 2-4 times a month only on school grounds during lunch and recess

Sports Buddies

Bigs and Littles meet 2 times a month at facilitated activities planned by BBBS

Shenandoah County

Information about our Shenandoah County Program

Interested in Volunteering?

Get Started.

Become A Big

Program Partners Make It Possible

We are so grateful for the partners who provide finances, space, materials, opportunities, referrals, and volunteers to support matches and provide new experiences for our matches, families, and Littles.

Elks Lodge #450

Virginia Elks Youth Camp (YEYC)

Camp Horizons

Brethren Woods Camp & Retreat Center

Highland Retreat

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board (HRCSB)

JMU Community Engagement & Volunteer Center (CEVC)

Bluestone Elementary School

Pleasant Valley Elementary School

W. W. Robinson Elementary School

Harrisonburg City Public Schools

Rockingham County Public Schools

Shenandoah County Public Schools

Bridgewater College

Eastern Mennonite University

James Madison University (classes, sports teams, and club sports)

First Presbyterian Church

Horizons Edge

Dairy Queen

McDonald’s

City of Harrisonburg Parks & Recreation

Mulligan’s Golf Center

Dean Brothers

U.S. Cold Storage