Parents Corner

Give your child the gift of a mentor — and a new friend.

When people think of mentoring programs, they think of Big Brothers Big Sisters. As an established youth organization, for more than 100 years we’ve worked to develop youth mentoring programs that work. Our experienced approach to recruiting, screening, matching and supporting our mentoring relationships has resulted in thousands of lasting relationships, and helped change the lives of young people across the country.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette & Alger Counties has been in existence since 1969.

Who are our Big Brothers and Big Sisters?

• Men and women who work and live in our community.

• High school and college students from nearby schools

• Retirees, military men and women, members of congregations or civic organizations, and…

• Just ordinary people that are extraordinary

What they all have in common is a sincere interest in being a friend and mentor to a child.  They are not paid – all of their time is volunteered.

How to enroll your child

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children with a responsible adult who has volunteered to spend some time with him/her at four to six hours a month. Our volunteers participate in a lengthy screening process and are accepted only after their application and interview suggest a genuine motivation towards helping the children and families we serve. The "Big--Little" friendship is truly a rewarding experience for both our volunteers and children.

Guidelines / Requirements

• Children between the ages of 7 and 15 living in Marquette or Alger Counties.
• Want or desire a Big Brother or Big Sister.
• Reside in Marquette and Alger Counties, with plans to reside in the county for 1 1/2 year after the initial contact.

Benefits of Being a Little

Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring makes a huge difference for the youth it serves.  Research consistently demonstrates that Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring helps at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face.  The most compelling evidence was found by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV),¹  showing that Little Brothers and Little Sisters are: 

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs; 
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol; 
• 52% less likely to skip school; 
• 37% less likely to skip class; 
• More confident in their schoolwork performance; 
• Able to get along better with their families.

NEW!! Breakthrough Study Finds Adults Mentored as Children in Big Brothers Big Sisters are Better Educated, Wealthier & More Fulfilled than Peers

Informational links for Parents

Parenting Rocks!

Parents are our Partners

Parents and guardians are an integral part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters match at every step of the process. Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs, but you’ll also approve the selection of the Big Brother or Big Sister.

Once the match is made, parents remain closely involved in several key ways, including:

• Approving match activities and supporting your child’s involvement
• Asking your child questions about the match meetings, and reporting any concerns to the agency staff
• Regularly reporting back to the agency about your child’s progress and milestones in the match relationship – Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you regularly, but we welcome your feedback at any time

Your child's safety is very important to us

Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our mentoring programs and every match is regularly reviewed by a professional trained match coordinator.

The safety and well-being of the children we serve is Big Brothers Big Sisters' highest priority . We strive to achieve the highest quality possible in matching a child to a caring volunteer Big, and in providing ongoing professional support services to our children, parents and volunteers .

To help ensure child safety,   Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence require the following steps to be taken :

Each volunteer must complete a thorough screening process that includes :

• Completion of a formal written application
• A criminal history record check
• At least two references
• An in-person interview
• An assessment of their home environment (for community-based mentoring)
• A professional assessment of their appropriateness to volunteer with a child
• An orientation and training process that outlines the individualized needs of your child and provides information and resources on how to encourage your child's healthy development

Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child's Big. Our staff and your child’s Big, with your support, are committed to the healthy growth and development of your child.

Contact our Agency Staff

Success Story

Carrie's mom says that Carrie has much better self-confidence; she is better able to express her feelings and make decisions. She has hope for and a sense of the future and a better attitude toward school.

Submit your story today!

Tell us about your experience with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program
as a Big, Little or Parent.

Page last updated on 06/26/2009