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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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are the Bigs in the Program?Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, they are regular people just like you. They don't need any special degrees or job skills. They just have to want to positively impact a young person.
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When does my child see their Big?As a Big/Little team, they decide together what they want to do with Parent/Guardian approval. We recommend the match keeps a consistent schedule of outings and get together regularly. We require the match to spend a minimum of 4 to 6 hours a month for one year.
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What are good ideas for outings?The quality of the time is more important than the amount of money spent. Play a board game. Go to the library. Make fun crafts. Take a hike up Sugarloaf. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and have fun! The agency offers donor-supported group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles.
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What kind of support can I expect from BBBS once my child's matched?Once you're child is matched, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback.
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Will my child's Big become a replacement parent?No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a Big to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in and learn from!
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How does BBBS create a match?During a thorough intake process, professional staff gets to know the children and volunteers in the programs. BBBS staff makes matches based on personality, shared interests, and volunteer and parent preferences in an effort to make compatible, quality matches that will result in long-term friendships.
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How soon will my child be matched?Bigs and Littles are matched by where they live, their preferences and activities they enjoy. There is no set time limit to make a match. BBBS asks for everyone’s patience during the waiting period.
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What if it doesn't work out?We do everything in our power to make matches that last. However, we realize that sometimes situations change or things don’t work out. If this happens we’ll try to mediate and resolve the problem first, but if mediation is unsuccessful we will end the match. Your Match Support Specialist will support you and your child every step of the way, working toward the best possible outcome for everyone.
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Can a match last longer than one year?
Although we ask for a minimum commitment of one year, matches in our program can continue until your child turns 18 and/or graduates high school. But this doesn't have to be the end of their relationship– many friendships between Bigs and Littles last a lifetime.
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