You're already taking the first step by learning more about us. And it's easy from here:

Once you fill out your application, you'll be contacted to set up an interview.

All necessary paperwork is completed, including background check and fingerprints.

We'll call your references to find out more about you.

Sign up to attend volunteer training

During the 'pre-match' we'll share with you more about your Little.

At the 'Match meeting'  your Mentor Manager will introduce you to your Little.

Let the fun begin! Your skilled casemanager will guide and support you and the entire time you're matched.

In Vermilion County it’s hard to find anyone more passionate about volunteering than Pat O’Shaughnessy.  That passion has made for a perfect mentor relationship with his Little Brother Torrez. 

The pair met when Torrez was a 2nd grader.  Pat often tells the story of the day he visited the Big Brothers Big Sisters office.  He saw pictures of children on the waiting list.  “I can help one of those kids”, he said.  The case-manager went through the many files of children waiting to be matched and found Little Torrez and Pat had many of the same interests.  They were matched in the school based program.  Pat took time once a week out of his busy work day to meet with Torrez at his school.  Half of the hour was spent on academics and the other half on building a friendship.

The pair decided they wanted to see each other outside of the school setting.  Pat became a Community Based Mentor.  He goes to Torrez’s home and picks him up.  They enjoy sporting events, the Festival of Trees and other events together. 

During National Mentoring Month in January some of the Little Brothers and Little Sisters nominate their mentor for Big Brother or Big Sister of the year.  This year Torrez nominated Pat.  His nomination was so moving Pat was selected.  Now 6th grader Torrez states, “He is like my real true brother”.     He said “I talk to him about school or anything”. 

I talked to Torrez’s mother who stated one thing she really noticed is his increased interest in reading.  She said, “his mentor has encouraged him to read and not just little books.”  She said many times she finds Torrez reading “very thick books”.   She said Torrez needs the positive encouragement he gets from Pat.

On Wednesday morning Pat was presented with a certificate for Big Brother of the year.  He said he was humbled by the award.  “We have marked on the calendar 8th grade graduation, high school graduation and college.  That is my goal for Torrez and we are working toward that.”

The last sentence of the nomination says it all.  “Thanks for being there for me like a father figure too! Love you, Torrez.” 

We still have many littles waiting to be matched with a caring adult.  If you are interested give Big Brothers Big Sisters a call at 217-446-6601.    

Please fill out the form below or call us at 217-446-6601 for more information.