Nonprofit
Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region
A mentoring agency for Philadelphia and six nearby counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Adult volunteers, called Bigs, spend regular time with one child through a one-to-one mentoring program.
- Background check
Saved in this browser only.
What they do
Bigs take part in one-to-one mentoring through one of several programs. Community-based mentoring means outings with a child who is picked up at home. Site-based mentoring happens at a site. Beyond School Walls is one-on-one time during the school day with mentors from partner companies. The LGBTQ+ programs include school groups and Rainbow Bigs. POWER Up is staff-led mentoring in partner schools. A visit lasts about two hours, at least twice a month. Bigs must be 21 or older.
Who it is for
- Who can join
- Open to anyone
- Who is there
- Kids
When and where
Visits last about two hours, at least twice a month, for a term of at least one year. The site also mentions 18 months, so ask for the exact term.
Philadelphia office
- Address
- 100 North 20th Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Part of the city
- Central
Norristown office
Meets outside the city and serves Philadelphia.
- Address
- 530 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19401
Your first visit
Feeling unsure the first time is normal. Most groups are glad when someone new walks in.
First step: Fill in the short interest form on the Be a Big page, then book the virtual interview with a staff member. The application and background checks come after that..
Check with the group before you show up. You need to sign up first.
What to expect
Your first contact is a short interest form and a virtual interview with a staff member. After the application and background checks, you are matched with a Little, a child aged 7 and up, and begin regular outings of about two hours at least twice a month.
Tips for your first visit
- If you live outside Philadelphia city, you need a car.
- The Philadelphia office is on the 5th floor at 100 North 20th Street.
- Call (215) 790-9200 with questions before you fill in the form.
Newcomer welcome
Takes some effort for newcomers (2 out of 5). Why we say this: The steps are listed clearly, but a person must do an interview, an application and background checks before they can see the program up close..
Cost and commitment
- Cost
- Cost not known yet. The site does not state a cost for becoming a Big.
Access and languages
- Wheelchair access
- We do not know yet. Ask the group before you go.
- Languages spoken
- We do not know yet which languages are spoken.
Requirements
- This group asks for a background check.
How to reach them
We copy contact details as the group or a public source published them. Each one shows where it came from.
- Website: independencebigs.org Source: independencebigs.org, seen October 8, 2026
- Phone: (215) 790-9200 Source: independencebigs.org, seen October 8, 2026 ; Source: independencebigs.org, seen October 8, 2026
Sources and last check
Checked by our research team on October 8, 2026. This was a closer look, including what a first visit is like.
- Last seen active
- October 2026 (See the evidence)
- Last checked by our team
- October 8, 2026
- Status
- Active
- Our confidence in this listing
- Medium
- IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Pennsylvania extract, seen October 4, 2026. Supports: Name, Location, Ein
- independencebigs.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Summary, Programs, Location, Contacts, Status, Background check
- independencebigs.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: What they do, Schedule, Audience, First step, Background check, Summary, What to expect, Phone
- independencebigs.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: What they do
- independencebigs.org, seen October 8, 2026. Supports: Status, Last sign of life
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