Big Brothers Big Sisters is a charitable organization located in historic downtown Ames. This group matches up underprivileged children with older mentors who spend time with them and provide them with positive experiences. The staff says that the impact that a mentor has on the life of a "Little" is undeniable, and that more than 83% of former mentored children surveyed say that their Big Brothers or Sisters instilled in them values and principles that changed their lives for the better.