Our Mission
Big Pals-Little Pals matches children with adult mentors in a fun, community-based program to spark positive growth and confidence.
About Us
Big Pals-Little Pals is a mentoring organization that matches kids (“Little Pals”) with inspiring adult mentors (“Big Pals”). We are a community-based program that allows our Big and Little Pals to share activities on their own schedule. Matches typically meet up on weekends or evenings and spend time together building a meaningful relationship. We encourage free or low-cost activities like bike riding, board games, baking or just taking a walk around the park.
One of the most important pieces of the Big Pals-Little Pals program is that Big Pals are able to provide their Little Pals with a chance to be inspired and try something new. Little Pals are able to explore new environments and learn skills that they may not have otherwise had an opportunity to experience.
Besides sharing a lot of fun activities, Big and Little Pals benefit from enjoying each other’s friendship. Volunteering to be a Big Pal can be fun and rewarding. A few hours each week can change the life of both the Big and Little Pal for the better.
We serve the greater Columbus, Nebraska area.
The Impact of Mentoring
Young adults, like Little Pals, who were at-risk for falling off track but had a mentor are:
- 55% more likely to enroll in college.
- 78% more likely to volunteer regularly.
- 90% are interested in becoming a mentor.
- 130% more likely to hold leadership positions.
- 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs.
- 52% less likely to skip a day of school.
Mentoring promotes positive social attitudes and relationships. Mentored youth tend to trust their parents more and communicate better with them.
Mentors can also prepare their mentees for professional careers and assist with their workplace skills by:
- Helping set career goals and taking the steps to realize them.
- Using personal contacts to help young people network with industry professionals, find internships, and locate possible jobs.
- Introduce young people to resources and organizations they may not be familiar with.
- Skills for seeking a job, interviewing for a job, and keeping a job.