BECOME A BIG
Kathy
“My son, Kody, started with his Little Preston at age 9. Preston will be 21 in December and they are still buddies. Don’t see each other as much as they used to but still communicate. It is a treasured friendship for both.”
Jessica
“I’ve noticed a huge improvement in John’s attitude. Trying new things, he used to hate it. Now he embraces it.”
WHAT DO WE ACHIEVE?
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children achieve success in school, helps them avoid risky behaviors such as getting into fights and trying drugs and alcohol, and helps them improve their self-confidence. We hold ourselves accountable to our supporters by regularly measuring our impact
WHOM DO WE SERVE?
Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to change the lives of children facing adversity between 6 and 18 years of age. Our network of volunteers, donors and supporters comes from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all corners of the country.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Our unique brand of one-to-one mentoring, in which a child facing adversity is carefully matched with a caring adult mentor in a relationship supported by professional Big Brothers Big Sisters staff members, changes lives for the better forever.
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Complete the online application and a staff member will contact you.
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We will meet and discuss BBBSYC, our programs and the children we serve. A staff member will also interview you to learn more about you.
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Come in for your background check and fingerprints. BBBSYC staff will conduct reference checks with your references, including any youth serving organizations you have previously volunteered with.
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Complete online pre-match training on the Learning Exchange.
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BBBS staff will contact you regarding whether you are approved for the program.
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If approved, we will begin the process of finding the best Little for you. Once we find a match, we will contact you and discuss.
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Congratulations! It is time to meet your Little with a BBBS staff member.
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You will have continued support throughout your match. We will check in monthly to make sure the relationship is developing on course.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Our Community Bigs are matched with a Little in the community between the ages of 7 and 15. Together, they spend between 4 and 8 hours a month building relationships and igniting potential!
In order to enroll in our community program, Bigs must:
Be at least 18 years old
Be able to pass a multilayer background check
Be capable of forming a safe and meaningful relationship with a youth
Commit to a minimum of 12 months once matched with a Little
Be willing to complete all required training and meetings with BBBSYC staff
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Our High School Bigs have an opportunity to earn school credits towards graduation while attending a mentoring class that highlights leadership skills, college and career readiness, and introduces them to child development. Bigs are matched with up to 2 elementary/middle school students within their school district, and meet with their Littles during the school day.
In order to enroll in our school program, Bigs must:
Be a junior or senior in high school
Maintain a 2.5 GPA
Commit to a year-long mentoring relationship
Have access to transportation to/from Little’s school
Attend the majority of classes and participate in all match activities/requirements