 | SERVICES
 | Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of matching friends -- one adult
with one child -- who needs stability and companionship. Through such a
relationship, the child is able to develop a heightened sense of self worth and both child
and adult experience satisfaction. Two to four hours a month is the average amount
of match time.
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| ELIGIBILITY
| Children from McKean or Elk Counties, ages six - seventeen, who need the
support of a caring, responsible adult.
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| SERVICE AREA
| McKean County matches are monitored through the Smethport office.
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| Elk County matches are monitored through the Ridgway office.
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| PROGRAM STAFF
| Bachelor's level program coordinators and casemanagers are responsible
for casemanagement, fundraising and public relations in both the McKean and Elk County
programs.
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| Complete reference checks, PA child abuse clearances, FBI or local
police checks and personal home interviews are conducted on adult volunteers prior to
being matched with a child. "Bigs" can also be married couples, college
students and high school students (in the High School Bigs Program).
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| REFERRAL PROCEDURE
| "Littles" should call their local office to sign up to be
matched: McKean County (814) 887-9273 or Elk County (814) 776-1471.
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| Interested "Bigs" should also contact their local office to
find out more about bringing fun to a child (and themselves).
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