Our Programs Make a Difference!
Currently,
there are 40 children on our waiting list. We have
a particularly strong need for men interested in
becoming Big Brothers. Bigs cultivate relationships
that provide children with skills to manage every
day challenges. Through simple friendship, Bigs
experience the joy of helping children discover
a world of possibilities and opportunities.
Volunteer
mentors may participate in one of the following
programs:
Traditional
Community-Based
Volunteers (Bigs) provide Littles with one-on-one
time and attention in their communities, typically
two to four times a month. During these unstructured
outings, Bigs provide opportunities for Littles
to enjoy the companionship of a caring adult outside
of the home and school in various sporting, cultural,
educational and other activities.
Couples
Match
This is just like a “Traditional Community-Based
Match” except a child is matched with a husband
and wife.
College
Based
The School Based mentoring program for college students
provides an opportunity for individuals who are
interested in volunteering but do not have a lot
of free time. Mentors spend 1 hour per week with
their mentees at a local Elementary or Middle school
within walking or short driving distance. Visits
can take place during the course of the school day
or at an extended day school program. Students from
Education, Psychology and Sociology backgrounds
are encouraged to apply as this opportunity provides
hands-on experience with dealing with younger children.
Mentors talk with their mentees, play games, and
also spend at least 15 minutes helping with school
work. The goal is to form a fun, positive friendship
while being a positive role model. Professional
case managers provide assistance and support to
the matches on an ongoing basis.
Professional
School Based
School-based mentoring is a way for busy individuals
to volunteer and for companies to give back to the
community. In the school-based program, companies
typically allow their employees to volunteer one
hour of their work week during the academic school
year, by providing Littles with one-on-one time
and attention in their school.
High
School Bigs Progams
Matches local High School students with elementary
and middle school children. The mentoring-tutoring
is done at mentee's school site. Case managers closely
supervise and provide assistance for the matches.
The commitment is one hour a week for one academic
year, with visits that may take place after school,
at lunch, or at any point during the day. These
students learn to become caring adults while at
the same time providing a positive role model for
younger children in their community.
Big
Brothers Big Sisters’ programs work because
they utilize caring supportive volunteers who teach,
through example and experience, the relationship
between setting goals, taking responsibility for
one’s actions, and achieving the kind of success
that will make children valuable members of their
communities. It is a wonderful opportunity for friendship
and fun for both children and adults alike!
