Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland

Since 1960 Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland has been committed to enhancing the confidence self-esteem and well-being of girls through supportive friendships with caring women through three core programs: • Big and Little Sister Program: matches youth aged 7 to 17 in one-to-one friendships with trained female volunteers • Study Buddy Program: offers youth aged 7 to 17 the educational support they need by matching them with volunteer tutors • Go Girls! Healthy Bodies Healthy Lives: a group in-school program for youth aged 11 -14 that focuses on physical activity and balanced eating • Bright Futures: a post-secondary scholarship program that removes barriers by empowering youth to pursue higher learning setting the foundation for independence and meaningful employment opportunities. Our programs are aimed at prevention and intervention as research has shown that a warm supportive relationship with a caring adult is the most important protective factor for development among at-risk children and a key factor in helping children overcome challenges in their lives. We started the development and planning of a new program called My Voice My Power which will launch in September 2024 (next fiscal year). It will be a group mentoring program for youth aged 11 -14 that empowers them with skills to prevent gender-based violence in a school-based setting.