Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State is part of a much larger picture, as there are 270 BBBS affiliates throughout the country. In 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State celebrated its 50^th year of serving the WV, KY, OH Tri-State area. They’ve only been serving Putnam County since 2022, but are moving full force into the area, and we are thrilled about it!

The program’s Mission is to provide every child with a strong, enduring, professionally supported, one-on-one relationship to alter their lives for the better, forever, so they can achieve their full potential.

The adult volunteer mentors, which are referred to as Bigs, must be 18 or older and need no specific skills or impressive talents-just a willingness to work with the Littles, and the ability to have a positive and consistent impact on their lives. Bigs are asked to commit to at least a six hours a month/one year pairing with their Little.

There is also a “High School Bigs” program specifically for high school juniors and seniors, that involves mentoring students at Connor Street & Lakeside Elementaries. Students go to their assigned school twice a month and mentor their Little for an hour. Becoming a High School Big requires parent permission for participation, plus an endorsement from the school.

How does the BBBS program feel about expanding their program into #PutnamWV? We asked Lee, the Program Director, who said they “feel welcome and embraced by both the schools and the community.” The experience here has been even more positive than they expected and they are looking forward to continuing to grow. Big Brothers Big Sisters recently hired an additional person to help cover Putnam/Kanawha counties, which has been helpful and will aide them in their growth.

Speaking of growth, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri-State is hopeful they’ll see a 20% increase in Big/Little matches in 2026, and the rate they’re going, they are confident about achieving it! They also are planning to add an additional high school/elementary school partnership in 2026. As much value as the program places on the High School Bigs portion of their program, they don’t ever want to downplay the importance of adult mentors. The longevity and stability adult mentors provide to children (sometimes years long relationships) who may not have it otherwise in their lives, is invaluable.

Interested in learning how you can become involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a mentor? Visit bbbstristate.org for more information.