Independence Big Brothers Big Sisters

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Independence Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mentoring youth to build the biggest possible futures.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence is a donor-supported organization that enriches, encourages and empowers children to reach their highest potential through safe, one-to-one mentoring relationships. Volunteering as a Big Brother or Big Sister is about making a measurable difference in a child’s life by sharing new perspectives and experiences. Serving Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties in PA and Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties in NJ, nearly 3,700 children annually are more successful socially and academically because of the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence. Our Mission is to ignite the power and promise of youth and close the mentoring gap, by creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships and strengthening the quality of the mentoring field. By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:
- Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
- Avoidance of risky behaviors
- Educational success
- Our vision is that all youth achieve their full potential.

10/02/2026

Looking for a way to connect with us in the community? Where to Find Us highlights upcoming community events, outreach opportunities, and places to meet our team.

Whether you’re curious about our mission, looking for ways to get involved, exploring a partnership, or want to stop by and say hello, we’d love to meet you.

Find us in the community this fall. BIG things can start with a simple hello.

09/26/2026

An unfortunate change of plans for Big Day Out

We’re so sorry to share that, due to the weather forecast of expected high winds and significant rain, Big Day Out, September 26, has been canceled.

We know how much our Bigs, Littles, families, volunteers, and partners were looking forward to spending the day together. We’re disappointed too, but the safety of our community has to come first.

After already rescheduling from July, we know this isn’t the news anyone hoped for. Thank you to everyone who helped make Big Day Out possible and to everyone who planned to join us.

Big Day Out will not be rescheduled this year, but we’ll be back in 2027. In the meantime, stay tuned for what’s to come. We’re looking forward to finding more ways to bring our Bigs, Littles, and families together! 💚

Please take care and stay safe.

09/22/2026

Who’s ready for a little friendly competition for a BIG cause?

Join the Philadelphia Regional Advisory Board THIS THURSDAY, September 24, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia for a night of games, food, and fun while supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence.

A $100 Sponsor-a-Match gift helps provide food, games, and a memorable night out for a Big and Little.

Or simply grab your friends, family, or coworkers and join us! 20% of eligible proceeds from the evening will benefit BBBSI.

📍 Dave & Buster’s Philadelphia
📅 Thursday, September 24
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Come out, have some fun, and help make a BIG night possible for Philly’s Bigs & Littles.

09/11/2026

For nearly nine years, Big Brother Mike showed up for Jace.

Their match was built through the everyday moments that become meaningful over time: fishing trips, sporting events, meals out, BBBSI activities, and simply being there.

Mike also supported Jace’s passion for music, attending concerts as Jace performed with the Chester County Youth Orchestra and later the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.

After Jace completed his freshman year at Temple University, the two recently decided to formally close their match. But they both know their friendship will continue on.

Jace shared that he can’t imagine where he would be without Mike and that their relationship has been invaluable in shaping the young man he has become.

And there’s one more part of this story we love.

When asked about becoming a Big himself someday, Jace said he and his mom had already been talking about it. He definitely wants to give back and become a Big in the future.

That’s the ripple effect of mentorship. When you show up for a young person, you never know where that impact will lead.

This September, during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, we’re celebrating the mentors who show up, the young people who grow, and the friendships that can last a lifetime.

Show up. Be there. Be Big.

09/02/2026

Looking for a way to connect with us in the community?

Where to Find Us is your guide to upcoming community events, outreach opportunities, and places where you can connect with our team.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about our mission, exploring ways to get involved, connecting as a community partner, or simply stopping by to say hello, we’d love to meet you.

Big things start with a simple hello. Find us in the community; we’d love to meet you!

09/01/2026

September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month!

This year, we’re celebrating A Future Built on Mentorship.

Across the country, an estimated 10 million young people need access to a mentor. Here in our own community, 500 young people are waiting for a Big.

But that number also represents something incredibly hopeful: 500 families who have raised their hands and said they believe mentorship can make a difference for their young person.

Our job is to make sure we can say yes.

Throughout September, we’ll celebrate the local stories, mentors, and matches that show us what is possible when a young person has someone in their corner.

There are many ways you can be part of BBBS Month:

- Share your story and celebrate the match or mentor who has made a difference.
- Become a Big and be the caring, consistent adult a young person can count on.
- Become a Match Maker and provide ongoing support to help create more mentoring connections.
- Join us at an event and connect with others who believe in the power of mentorship.

A society where every young person has a mentor is a society invested in its own future.

A future built on mentorship starts with all of us.

Follow along throughout September as we celebrate the people and relationships at the heart of our mission.

08/31/2026

Two weeks to go until our 26th Annual Golf Classic!

Across our region, more than 500 young people are waiting for a mentor. That number represents a significant need, but it also represents something incredibly hopeful: more than 500 young people and families who have raised their hands and asked for someone to believe in them.

When you join us on September 14 at Philadelphia Country Club you’re doing more than playing a round of golf. You’re helping create the life-changing mentoring relationships that young people are waiting for.

Come play for something bigger. Register through the link in the caption.

Thank you to our sponsors: Exude, Inc., Herman Goldner Co., Inc., Oliver Fire Protection & Security, Penn Community Bank, & Santander.

08/24/2026

Who’s ready for a little friendly competition for a BIG cause?

Join our Philadelphia Regional Advisory Board on Thursday, September 24, from 5:30–7:30 p.m., for a night of games, food, and fun at Dave & Buster's Philadelphia while supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence!

20% of eligible proceeds from the evening will benefit BBBSI.

So grab your friends, family, or coworkers and JOIN THE FUN!

08/18/2026

Looking for a way to connect with us in the community?

Where to Find Us is your guide to upcoming community events, outreach opportunities, and places you can connect with our team.

Whether you're interested in learning more about our mission, exploring ways to get involved, connecting as a community partner, or simply stopping by to say hello, we'd love to meet you.

Every Big journey starts somewhere. Why not start with a hello?
We hope to see you out in the community!

Address

100 N 20th Street, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, PA
19103

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12157909200

Website

http://www.independencebigs.org/

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