Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds/Grenville

History of Big Brothers Big Sisters

For over 100 years, Big Brothers programs have made a difference in the lives of young people by providing a friend where one is needed. In 1903, a Cincinnati businessman, Irin F. Westheimer, offered his friendship to a boy whom he found searching for food in an alley trash can. Mr. Westheimer enlisted the aid of his community and together they began the first Big Brother program - caring adults offering one to one guidance, support and friendship to fatherless boys. In 1908 women became involved with young girls in similar circumstances.

With the increasing needs of children, the movement grew and crossed the border into Canada, becoming an international entity. In 1911 the first Canadian agencies were established, remaining affiliated for a long period of time with the American organization. In 1964 the Big Brothers Association of Canada was founded.

In 2001 the unification of Big Sisters of Canada with Big Brothers of Canada to become Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada took place. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) is a national organization comprised of 181 member agencies servicing more than 300 communities across the country.

In Leeds and Grenville, Big Brothers became incorporated in 1977. For nearly thirty-five years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making a positive difference in the lives of our community’s youth by developing and implementing a wide range of mentoring programs.Serving as role models, our mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and of having respect for family peers and community.

Agency Mission:

We commit to the young people of Leeds and Grenville that we will be leaders in providing them with the highest quality, volunteer based mentoring programs.

Structure, Staffing, Office Location:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville currently has twelve (12) members on its Board of Directors.

Staffing: One full-time Executive Director, one full-time Caseworker, one full-time In-School Mentoring Program Coordinator, one full-time Executive Administrative Assistant, and one full-time Director of Strategic Iniatitives.

The main office of the organization is located at 36 George Street, Brockville. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Monday to Friday. Staff are available during regular office hours to assist the public with questions regarding the mentoring programs offered by the agency.

Our agency opened up another office in April of 2011 in Kemptville at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Rd 44. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Monday to Friday.

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	History of Big Brothers Big Sisters For over 100 years, Big Brothers programs have made a difference in the lives of young people by providing a friend where one is needed. In 1903, a Cincinnati businessman, Irin F. Westheimer, offered his friendship to a boy whom he found searching for food in an alley trash can. Mr. Westheimer enlisted the aid of his community and together they began the first Big Brother program - caring adults offering one to one guidance, support and friendship to fatherless boys. In 1908 women became involved with young girls in similar circumstances. With the increasing needs of children, the movement grew and crossed the border into Canada, becoming an international entity. In 1911 the first Canadian agencies were established, remaining affiliated for a long period of time with the American organization. In 1964 the Big Brothers Association of Canada was founded. In 2001 the unification of Big Sisters of Canada with Big Brothers of Canada to become Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada took place. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) is a national organization comprised of 181 member agencies servicing more than 300 communities across the country. In Leeds and Grenville, Big Brothers became incorporated in 1977. For nearly thirty-five years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been making a positive difference in the lives of our community’s youth by developing and implementing a wide range of mentoring programs.Serving as role models, our mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and of having respect for family peers and community. Agency Mission: We commit to the young people of Leeds and Grenville that we will be leaders in providing them with the highest quality, volunteer based mentoring programs. Structure, Staffing, Office Location: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville currently has twelve (12) members on its Board of Directors. Staffing: One full-time Executive Director, one full-time Caseworker, one full-time In-School Mentoring Program Coordinator, one full-time Executive Administrative Assistant, and one full-time Director of Strategic Iniatitives. The main office of the organization is located at 36 George Street, Brockville. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Monday to Friday. Staff are available during regular office hours to assist the public with questions regarding the mentoring programs offered by the agency. Our agency opened up another office in April of 2011 in Kemptville at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, 285 County Rd 44. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m Monday to Friday.