Big Brothers has been present in the Rockford area since 1956 and was granted its 501©3 status (recognized as a charitable organization by the IRS) in 1961 shortly after hiring its first executive director. At this time the program was only open to males. The program was built on the premise begun by Ernest Coulter in 1904 who believed young, fatherless boys needed a male mentor in their lives, thus beginning the Big Brothers movement in New York City.

In 1978 the Rockford program was opened to girls and the name was changed to reflect the change-Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 1982 the program expanded its service area to include Boone County and Northern Ogle County.

By 1997, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Illinois was approached by the YMCA of Rock River Valley to become a program of the YMCA. It was determined by the Board of Directors that a merger would be in the best interest of BBBS. In 1998, BBBS forfeited its 501©3 status and became a program of the YMCA while maintaining its affiliation with Big Brothers Big Sisters National.

The program continues to enjoy a positive reputation in the community. The program offers the traditional Community Based Mentoring and the new School Based Mentoring. Currently Big Brothers Big Sisters of the YMCA of Rock River Valley serves children/youth in Boone and Winnebago counties. The program relies on partnerships developed with schools, churches, corporations and individuals to provide quality mentoring to children/youth in our communities who are in need of a stable, positive adult role model in their lives. Each year approximately 200 children benefit from the services of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Our goal is to reach more children!

Be a part of something really BIG!

MISSION:  The Mission of BBBS is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable outcomes.

VISION:  The BBBS Vision is successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to brighter futures, better schools, and stronger communities for all.