Home

What is Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee?
We are an affiliate of the national mentoring organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. We exist to help children who need guidance from a special adult.

What is a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Big Brothers and Big Sisters are members of the community who have decided to share their time and skills with a child. They have committed themselves to an official assignment with their Little Brother or Little Sister for at least one year. They visit with their Little Brother or Sister an average of one a week, participating in recreation activities, teaching them practical life skills, offering encouragement with school work and working to develop a lasting and enjoyable relationship with their "Little".

Do you have children waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Yes! We have over 11,000 children in our program area who are at risk.

Am I qualified to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?
The most important qualifications of a "Big" are emotional maturity, responsibility, stability and understanding. A "Big" should be caring, patient and able to relate to a child or young person in a non-judgmental way. For the community based program a "Big" must be at least 19 years old and have a car with liability insurance. For the school based program a "Big" must be at least 16 years old. We ask for a one-year commitment of at least 30 minutes per week to your Little Brother or Sister.

How can I get involved as a Big Brother or Big Sister?
It is an easy process to get involved. You can either email us at info@bbbsetn.org or call us at (865) 523-2179 ext. 13 (or toll-free at 888-523-2179 ext. 13). We can tell you more about our programs and also schedule an in-person interview with one of our staff members if you are ready to do so. As part of our enrollment process, we do require three references and consent for a background check for all of our volunteers. There is no cost to apply. U.S. Cellular generously sponsors all of our background checks.

I am a single parent and would like a "Big" for my child. What should I do?
To begin the intake process, a parent or legal guardian needs to contact the agency so we can send you an application for both the parent and child to fill out. Both the parent and child must want a Big Brother or Big Sister. Please call us at (865) 523-2179 ext. 13 (or toll-free at 888-523-2179 ext. 13).

I am a child who would like a Big Brother or Big Sister. What should I do?
If you are a child living in Anderson, Blount, Hawkins, Knox, Loudon, Roane, Scott, Sullivan, or Washington County and are between the ages of 7-15 and feel you could benefit from a mentor, please have your parent or guardian call us. From there, we will send an application for you and your parent to fill out.

How can I donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters?
If you would like to make a financial or in-kind donation please contact Sharon Moore at (865) 523-2179 ext. 21 (or toll-free at 888-523-2179 ext. 21). You can also view donations ideas right here on our website.