Become a Little
As a parent you recognize the potential in your child better than anyone else. Start them down the path to an even brighter future.
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Everyone needs a champion-
it’s hard to be a kid
Many of us remember our extra cool aunt, or amazing uncle, the teacher that took the extra time or the boss that told us what we needed to hear. At Big Brothers Big Sisters we match our Littles with a mentor that will change their life.
Mentorship Opportunities
We offer 2 types of mentorship programs: School-site and community based. Each program is based on a one year commitment and involves a one-on-one relationship between Big and Little.
Community-based mentoring
- Bigs pick up Littles from their home and do fun activities in the community together
- Bigs and Littles get together for a few hours 2-3 times per month
- Meetup times are flexible. Bigs and caregivers develop a schedule that fits their needs
- Together you can go to a museum, attend a community event, go to the park or just hang out and talk
School-site mentoring
- Bigs meet their Littles at their school and do fun activities in a classroom or on the playground
- Bigs and Littles meet for 45 minutes every week
- Meetup times are at lunch or after school if there is a community center
- Together you do things at school like play board games, do crafts, throw a football, eat lunch and just make the child feel special
1. Apply
Start here: Take the link to our online application. Once we see your application come through a BBBS staff member will contact you.
2. Paperwork
Along with our application we have forms and releases for you to sign prior to being interviewed. You can fill them out before your interview at home or come to our office 30 minutes prior to your scheduled interview to complete them. You’ll also be asked to complete surveys throughout the match, this helps us gage your child’s progress and secure funding.
3. In-Person Interview
Plan to spend 1.5 hours with us. We will ask lots of questions, both with the Parent/Guardian and with the child being enrolled. We want to learn about you and your child so we can find the best fit for a good match.
4. Get Matched
Once all your paperwork is approved you are ready to be matched. We will wait for the perfect Big for your child. Once we find them we will tell you all about them and you will have a chance to meet. If you are the right fit, your match will start.
5. Start Friendship
This is where the fun starts. You and your child will begin to plan what activities your child will do with their Big.
6. Match Support
Throughout the life of the match, the BBBS staff will talk to you on a regular basis to ensure the safety of your child. This is called Match Support. Match Support is mandatory and allows us to be there when things are good and support you when you have questions or concerns.
Start here: Take the link to our online application. Once we see your application come through a BBBS staff member will contact you.
Along with our application we have forms and releases for you to sign prior to being interviewed. You can fill them out before your interview at home or come to our office 30 minutes prior to your scheduled interview to complete them. You’ll also be asked to complete surveys throughout the match, this helps us gage your child’s progress and secure funding.
Plan to spend 1.5 hours with us. We will ask lots of questions, both with the Parent/Guardian and with the child being enrolled. We want to learn about you and your child so we can find the best fit for a good match.
Once all your paperwork is approved you are ready to be matched. We will wait for the perfect Big for your child. Once we find them we will tell you all about them and you will have a chance to meet. If you are the right fit, your match will start.
This is where the fun starts. You and your child will begin to plan what activities your child will do with their Big.
Throughout the life of the match, the BBBS staff will talk to you on a regular basis to ensure the safety of your child. This is called Match Support. Match Support is mandatory and allows us to be there when things are good and support you when you have questions or concerns.
Still questioning becoming a little?
Getting a mentor is a big decision but we have lots of resources and support to help.
Readiness Checklist Little FAQ