Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters

06/12/2026

Please join us in welcoming Becki Leslie to the Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters team as our new Site-Based Coordinator!

Becki joins us after spending several years at Illinois State University, bringing with her valuable experience working within local schools throughout our community. Her passion for youth and commitment to our mission make her a wonderful addition to our team.

We’ve loved getting to know Becki since she started, and we’re excited to see the impact she’ll make as she begins working with schools this fall to help grow our site-based mentoring programs.

We’re lucky to have you on our team, Becki, and can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish!

06/12/2026

Day 12 of and today we've got a number update! Since we kicked off the campaign on June 1st, we've received 15 new volunteer inquiries! 👏

Thank you to everyone who has taken the first step toward becoming a Big. Your willingness to show up for a young person in our community means more than you know.

But we're not done yet. We still have a large number of children waiting for a mentor of their own, and now is the perfect time to make a difference. A few hours each month can help a child build confidence, create new experiences, and know they have someone in their corner.

Can 5 more people step up today? If you've ever thought about becoming a Big, we'd love to chat. Fill out our volunteer inquiry form and learn more about how you can make an impact in a child's life. No pressure, just a conversation!
https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5007476

Help us spread the word and hopefully reach our goal of 60 Bigs in 60 Days!

06/11/2026

Today, we had the opportunity to celebrate two incredibly deserving members of our Big Brothers Big Sisters family!

We surprised one of our own, Jillian, as she was recognized with the Rookie of the Year Award through Rotary Club of Peoria-North. Watching her receive this well-earned honor was so special, and seeing her husband surprise her during the celebration was truly the icing on the cake! We are so proud of you, Jillian, and grateful for the passion, dedication, and heart you bring to our mission every day.

We also had the pleasure of celebrating one of our amazing Board of Directors members, Dave Poehls, who was honored with the Paul Harris Fellow Award for Past Presidents of Rotary North Peoria. Dave, this recognition is so well deserved, and we are thankful for your leadership, service, and commitment to making our community stronger.

Congratulations to both of you! We are lucky to be surrounded by such outstanding individuals who work tirelessly to create positive change in the lives of young people throughout our community.

06/11/2026

Due to the forecasted weather conditions, tonight’s Happy Hour with Analytical Brewing - Peoria has been postponed.

We appreciate everyone’s support and enthusiasm for this event, and we’re excited to announce a new date soon. Our goal of finding 60 Bigs in 60 Days continues, and we look forward to gathering together in the near future to support local youth waiting for a mentor.

Keep an eye on our page for the rescheduled date announcement!

06/11/2026

Day 11 of ⚾️

This past weekend, a few of our McLean County matches headed out to a Normal CornBelters game and had the best time! Opportunities like this are a reminder that being a mentor doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing up, spending time together, and enjoying a ballgame.

Right now, we still have nearly 100 kids on our waiting list who are hoping for someone to do exactly that. They’re looking for a consistent adult who can make time for them, have fun, and be part of their corner.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a Big, there’s no better time to get started. Fill out our inquiry form today, and our team will connect with you to answer questions and share more about becoming a Big.

https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5007476

06/10/2026

Day 10 of 💚

Did you know that 74% of youth report not having access to a mentor outside of their family?

That's a powerful statistic,and one that reminds us just how important mentorship can be. Every child deserves someone in their corner: someone to listen, encourage, celebrate their successes, and help them navigate life's challenges.

Right now, nearly 100 local youth in our community are waiting to be matched with a Big. Just a few hours each month can make a lasting impact on a child's confidence, relationships, and future.

You don't have to be perfect. You don't need special skills. You just need to show up and be there.

Could you be the mentor a child has been waiting for?

Learn more and start with a simple volunteer inquiry today: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5007476

06/09/2026

Looking for a sign to learn more about becoming a mentor? This is it!

This Thursday, we're hanging out at Analytical Brewing - Peoria from 4:30–6:30 PM for a laid-back Happy Hour as part of our campaign, and we'd love to meet you.

Whether you're seriously considering becoming a Big or just curious about what mentoring looks like, stop by and chat with our team. No presentations, no pressure, just good conversation, great people, and an opportunity to learn how you can make a lasting impact in a young person's life.

Plus, the first 10 people who attend, learn more, and sign up to become a Big will receive a $10 Analytical Brewing gift card!

With nearly 100 local youth waiting for a mentor, there has never been a better time to explore what it means to be a Big. Bring a friend, grab a drink, and connect with us, we can't wait to meet you!

Analytical Brewing
Thursday, June 11
4:30–6:30 PM

06/09/2026

Our friends at Neighborhood House Association Peoria are the best!

Our staff knows how to party for a great cause! 🌺 Annette, Courtney, and Aleena were spotted in the wild at the Heart of Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Luau. And we see you back there Narria!! Between the hula hoop contests, limbo, and costumes, it was a tropical night to remember. 🌺

06/09/2026

Day 9 of 🏁

Sharing more photos from this past weekend at our second event with Pekin Motorcycle Club hosted by World of Powersports & Can-Am Off-Road. Our matches had an absolute blast, and we want to thank their teams again for organizing this amazing outing! We are incredibly grateful for this partnership and the new opportunities it continues to provide for our Littles.

Experiences like these remind us that mentoring is not only impactful, but it's also fun! Interested in learning more about becoming a Big? Fill out our volunteer inquiry form today and discover how you can help change a young person's life, while having a lot of fun along the way!

https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/5007476

06/08/2026

What an incredible day at our second Ride Forward event! 🏁

A huge thank you to World of Powersports - Peoria, IL, the Pekin Motorcycle Club, Can-Am Off-Road, & the Ride Safe Foundation for creating such a memorable experience for our Bigs and Littles. From learning off-road safety to building confidence and making lasting memories, opportunities like these are what mentorship is all about.

We are so grateful for community partners who invest in the potential of local youth and help create moments our matches will never forget. 💚