BBBS of St. Thomas-Elgin was incorporated on October 15, 1970.  The founding members of the organization were made up of local community-minded individuals who banded together to create an organization that was responsive to a presented need of friendships for boys in father-absent homes.  Members of the St. Thomas Optimist Club were instrumental in starting Big Brothers and eventually ensuring the incorporation of Big Brothers of St. Thomas-Elgin. At that time, the structure of the organization was very mandated to fatherless boys so criteria for acceptance of children was relatively straight forward.

In 1983, Sandy Krol began to orchestrate interest in the community around initiating a Big Sisters program.  Through placing ads around town, a core group of women assembled, becoming the steering committee for Big Sisters.  The steering committee was approached by Big Brothers on July 13, 1983 to join together in service to children in the community based on a cost-sharing, efficiency-oriented program.  This afforded the two organizations the opportunity to have paid staff to screen, monitor and match parties involved in the program.  In October of 1983, both programs were incorporated as one and began the further development of service and friendship to the community of Elgin.

In 1985, The United Way approached Big Brothers Big Sisters to join with them as a member agency.  Big Brothers Big Sisters had been very successful with a fundraising walk-a-thon, which was felt to be in conflict with funds being raised through United Way efforts.  This partnership with the United Way eliminated that conflict.  The two organizations have worked together in a most harmonious relationship since that time. 

The agency moved from its location of many years at 367 Talbot Street in November of 1989 when the Board of Directors purchased the existing home of Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin at 146 Centre Street.  BBBS house is at the centre of all activities and functions of the organization. 

Currently we are staffed by a full time Executive Director, a part-time Community based mentoring coordinator and a part-time school based mentoring coordinator. 

Our principle demand for service is found in St.Thomas with Aylmer being the next largest service area.  We also serve all communities in the Elgin County catchment area.