Family Service & Children's Aid Society of Venango County

1887 to 2010...123 Years of
'Leading our Community in the Provision of Comprehensive Human Services'

"Family Service & Children's Aid Society will be a leader in the provision of comprehensive human services for our community through our commitment to excellence, accountability and adaptability."

"To provide individuals and families opportunities to reach their full potential in a community that embraces differences."

Clarion County
Crawford County
Forest County
Venango County
P.O. Box 25
Clarion, PA 16214
814-764-6286
1243 Liberty Street
Suite 313
Franklin, PA 16323
814-432-3466716 E. Second Street
Oil City, PA 16301
814-677-4005
29 Pearl Avenue
Oil City, PA 16301
814-676-9940
208 W. Spring Street
Titusville, PA 16354
814-827-3649

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF VENANGO, FOREST & CLARION COUNTIES


	Mission: To make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult, to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent, and caring individuals.

	This program matches a child with an adult volunteer who will serve as a positive role model. This carefully screened and trained volunteer is asked to make a commitment to a child and meet with the child on a regular basis. Being a Big Brother or a Big Sister is not hard work. It is fun!! It is shopping excursions, baseball games, playing catch, visiting the library, reading, sight seeing or whatever you enjoy doing together. Studies have shown that these relationships result in increases with self-esteem, higher grades, and lower chances of substance abuse. There are several avenues that can be explored with our program: become a Big Brother or Sister, participate in activities with children on our waiting list, or participate in a fundraising event.

Volunteer Application Process
	The initial criteria for becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister are:
	Be at least 18 years of age Have a valid driver's license, automobile, and automobile insurance Be willing to make a one-year commitment
	The intake process includes:
	An application with four references An interview in your home Act 34 and 151 clearances (these are done and kept by our agency without cost to the volunteer)

How is a child eligible?
	To be eligible children must:
	Reside in Venango, Forest, or Clarion County Be between 5 & 15 years of age when first matched Need an additional adult support system Have the capacity to interact positively with a community volunteer

How is a child enrolled?
	Parent or guardian calls and provides basic information to receive an application Parent or guardian completes and returns the application Parent or guardian and child interviews are conducted in the home Requests for information are sent to the child's school, therapist, and physician (if applicable) All information is collected and reviewed Parent or guardian is notified whether or not the child is accepted

Our work is as elementary as putting a friend in a child's life, and as essential as putting hope into a child's future.


School Based Mentoring Program
	Big Brothers Big Sisters currently coordinates a School Based Mentoring Program in Clarion County. The program assists students in academic and social skills. Adult volunteers and peer mentors meet with students during school hours. If you would like to learn more about any of these programs please contact BBBS at 814-676-9940 in Venango County or 814-764-6286 in Clarion County.

OUR VALUES...
Service - We help people achieve their goals and improve their lives by providing a variety of human services to meet their needs and those of our community.	Respect - We provide an environment where open communication is supported, diversity is appreciated, and positive regard is displayed towards everyone.	Confidentiality - We hold an individual's right to privacy in the highest regard, protecting this right in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.	Integrity - We are committed to the highest standards of ethical, legal, and moral conduct. We believe integrity is the basis for community trust.	Leadership - We recognize our responsibility to provide information, guidance, and direction. We will make informed decisions, creating an atmosphere that inspires effective communication, fosters partnerships, and models dynamic leadership.	Teamwork - We work together in a cooperative effort toward common goals to produce outcomes stronger than could be achieved by individuals.