SAFETY FIRSTAll Bigs are background and referenced checked, interviewed, and receive on-going training and support. We ask that you stay involved by approving activities, asking your child about outings, and telling us about any milestones your child has reached.
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MATCHINGFinding the right Big for your child is a priority for us. We look at personality, likes, dislikes, background, age, and location of the Big and your child. And one of our Match Support Specialists is available to help you and your child navigate the Big/Little bond.
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GETTING STARTEDWhen your child is matched, we'll call and give you an in-depth profile of their Big to approve. Bigs and Littles meet a minimum of 4 hours a month as part of our no-cost program. We suggest consistent dates and times so everyone can look forward to fun.
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Dear Parent/Guardian,
Thank you for your interest in Big Brothers Big Sisters. To help you determine if the program is a good fit for your child, please learn more below.
We want to make sure that we find the best Big for your child. Just as it takes time for anyone to make new friends, it may take us a while to find the right Big. Bigs and Littles are matched based on parental preference, similar personality, background, geographic location, and shared interests. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Thank you for your interest in Big Brothers Big Sisters. To help you determine if the program is a good fit for your child, please learn more below.
We want to make sure that we find the best Big for your child. Just as it takes time for anyone to make new friends, it may take us a while to find the right Big. Bigs and Littles are matched based on parental preference, similar personality, background, geographic location, and shared interests. If you have any questions, please contact us.
What is the purpose?
The purpose of our program is for each enrolled child to achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, educational success and avoidance of risky behaviors. National research has shown that being in a positive relationship with a volunteer mentor (we refer to them as “Bigs”) has a direct and measurable benefit in a child’s life (we refer to the children in our program as “Littles”). Littles in our program:
- Are more confident
- Are more likely to stay away from drugs and alcohol
- Do better in school
- Get along better with family and friends
- Feel better about themselves
How does it work?
A Big will meet with your child on a one-to-one basis for a minimum of four hours a month in person. Depending on your child’s needs and interests, these visits will consist of activities such as helping with homework, talking, or going to an event together. A Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member (called a Match Support Specialist) will monitor the progress of each relationship to ensure the match is safe, everyone is happy with the match, and that the child’s needs are being met.
Who are our Bigs?
Our Bigs are volunteers in your community. They are students, retirees, members of organizations, and just ordinary adults. The safety of all children is extremely important to us, therefore each Big in our program must complete a thorough screening process conducted by our professionally trained staff.
Who are our Littles?
Children in our Community-Based program must meet the following criteria. They should:
- Be at least 7 years old
- Be capable of benefiting from a relationship with a Big
- Answer safety questions appropriately
- Want a Big and understand the role of a Big
- Have a parent/guardian willing to be a partner with us by maintaining contact and helping keep us informed of changes within the family/match
Parents & Guardians are not just part of the process, they are part of the success.
When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we are all in this together. It should be no surprise that we need parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match.
Not only will parents and guardians provide information about their child's strengths and needs but they will also approve the selection of the Big for their child. Once the match is made, parents and guardians remain closely involved in many ways, including:
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