This is the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program most people think about when they consider becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. Volunteers spend time with a child for a minimum of 2 hours, at least 2 times a month in the community (48 hours per year). The activities are decided on by you and your Little. It is not necessary to plan elaborate outings every time you see each other. The time you spend together building a friendship is what the experience is all about and how you can positively impact a Little in the program.
A Match Support Specialist will introduce you to your Little and be there to support you through the entire match. They will be in regular contact with you to answer questions, discuss concerns, or offer suggestions on activities.
We encourage all activities to be free or low-cost to ensure the match is about relationship building, not things.
To become a community-based mentor, you must be at least 19 years old and have a clear multi-layered background check.
In this version of the program, Bigs meet with their Littles one hour a week in a one-to-one setting during the school year at a local elementary or after-school location. Mentors can eat lunch with their Little, play games, spend time on the playground, tutor, or just visit in the library reading a book or talking about the week.
Mentors are an additional positive role model in a child’s life and developing a friendship encourages a child to reach his/ her full potential.
Littles are in the 1st-5th grade and attend local schools and/ or community after-school programs.
We also have a special program called Bigs In Blue. We work with local law enforcement offices to match mentors in uniform with children at local elementary schools. This program is an enhanced version of our Site-Based Mentoring.
To become a mentor a person must be at least 16 years old and have a clear multi-layered background check.
High school students must have availability during or immediately after school one day a week.