Villanova Bigs and Littles exists for the sole purpose of providing long term friendship and support to the inner-city children who would otherwise be lacking in these vital areas. It is designed to provide relationships that meet the spiritual, social, and emotional needs of the children, as well as helping them to increase their sense of self worth. This is accomplished simply by acting as a positive influence for the children.

Who are the Bigs? Bigs are student volunteers from Villanova University who act as the role models to these impressionable youths. They are mentors who instill in these children the confidence, desire, and motivation needed to achieve their goals. When interested students apply for admittance into the program, they are informed of what it entails, and then interviewed by current Bigs as well as members of Villanova’s Campus Ministry. Following the two rounds of interviews, the new Bigs are chosen, contingent upon suitability.

Who are the Littles? Littles are children ranging in age from 7-12, who generally come from underprivileged homes in the Greys Ferry area of Philadelphia, and attend mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Some are having trouble in school, some at home, but they are just kids, and to all of them, this program is a privilege. These children truly need the attention, companionship, and solidarity of a Big Brother or Big Sister, with whom they can be comfortable, confide in, and ultimately be themselves.
 

How does the program work? The principle contact with the children consists of one on one telephone calls, letter writing and visits, as well as several outings per semester for everyone in the program. The commitment is long-term. Each Big keeps their Little for the duration of their college career, and in some cases, for much longer. The majority of funding comes from fund-raising performed by everyone in the program with an annual subsidy through Villanova’s Campus Ministry, as this is a very costly program. As a bi-product of this endeavor, the sense of community among the Bigs is constantly strengthening and evolving.