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OUR PROGRAMS
We are the oldest, largest, most studied, and most proven mentoring program. We continually prove, through independent research, to change the lives of youth, for the better, forever.
Visit BBBS of America's website to view our research and impact.
COMMUNITY BASED
Professionally supported matches where Bigs and Littles from diverse backgrounds meet a few times per month in their local community - hanging out at the park, visiting a museum, or whatever they're interested in!
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Bigs are 18 years or older
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Littles are 7 - 17 years old
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Commitment: 1 year
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Meetings: 2-4 per month
READY TO GET INVOLVED?
Youth (Littles) + Adults (Bigs) = Uplifting, affirming and mutually beneficial mentoring relationships.
Have more ore questions? Visit our FAQ or Contact Us!
COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
After enrolling in our Community Based Program, Bigs and Littles are thoughtfully matched based on geography (within a 20-minute drive), preferences (gender, race, age, etc.), shared interests, and compatible personalities. Once the Match is approved by Big, Little, and parent/guardian, introductions are made and we’re off!
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Littles are between ages 7-17
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Bigs are 18 years or older
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Bigs and Littles are matched based on geography, preferences, and shared interests
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Matches meet in-person for outings, choosing activities based on their schedules and interests
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Bigs schedule outings with Little and parent/guardian and are responsible for transporting Little
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Activities vary based on the interests of the Bigs and Littles, so whether it’s frisbee at the park, paint night and ice cream, or a picnic hike, each Match can define what "quality time" looks like for them.
THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:
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Regular Match Support Contacts with Big, Little, and parent/guardian to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (monthly calls in the first year, then quarterly)
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Monthly BBBS-hosted activities for Matches to attend (skiing event, themed parties, craft nights, etc.)
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Tickets to sports, concerts, performing arts, and other community events for Match outings
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Discounts or free admission to businesses around town for Match outings
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Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.
TIME & FREQUENCY
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Most Matches meet on weekends or evenings (timing varies based on schedules of Bigs/Littles)
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Matches meet 2-4 times each month for 1-3 hours
SITE BASED PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
After enrolling in our Site Based Program, Bigs and Littles are thoughtfully matched based on preferences (gender, race, age, etc.), shared interests, and compatible personalities. Once the Match is approved by Big, Little, and parent/guardian, introductions are made and matches can start meeting!
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Littles are between ages 5-17
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Bigs are 18 years or older
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Bigs and Littles are matched based on compatible personalities, preferences, and shared interests
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Matches meet in-person at their designated site (Little's school, after school program, or other youth serving organization) participating in planned activities or choosing activities based on their interests
THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:
-
Regular Match Support Contacts (monthly calls in the first year, then quarterly) with Big and Little to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (Match Support Contacts with parents/guardians at the beginning of the match and every 6 months)
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BBBS provides activities and conversation starters to help Matches get to know each other during their sessions
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Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.
TIME & FREQUENCY
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Bigs schedule regularly occurring meetings during their Little's lunch or after school
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Matches meet 2-4 times each month for 1 hour or so
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Bigs and Littles commit to 1 school year
SITE BASED PLUS PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
Our Site Based Plus Program provides flexibility to matches allowing them to meet in both site based and community settings. Bigs and Littles are thoughtfully matched based on geography (within a 20-minute drive), preferences (gender, race, age, etc.), shared interests, and compatible personalities. Once the Match is approved by Big, Little, and parent/guardian, introductions are made and we’re off!
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Littles are between ages 7-17
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Bigs are 18 years or older
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Bigs and Littles are matched based on geography, preferences, and shared interests
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Matches generally begin by meeting at their designated site regularly and then begin to have some outing in the community after they've gotten comfortable together
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Bigs schedule outings with Little and parent/guardian and are responsible for transporting Little except when meeting at their site
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Activities vary based on the interests of the Bigs and Littles, so whether it’s frisbee at the park, paint night and ice cream, doing homework, a picnic hike, or read together, each Match can define what "quality time" looks like for them.
THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:
-
Regular Match Support Contacts with Big, Little, and parent/guardian to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (monthly calls in the first year, then quarterly)
-
Monthly BBBS-hosted activities for Matches to attend (skiing event, themed parties, craft nights, etc.)
-
Tickets to sports, concerts, performing arts, and other community events for Match outings
-
Discounts or free admission to businesses around town for Match outings
-
Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.
TIME & FREQUENCY
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Most Matches begin by meeting at their site on a regular basis and add community outings later on (timing varies based on schedules of Bigs/Littles)
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Matches meet 2-4 times each month for 1-3 hours
DESCRIPTION
Our Sports-Buddies mentoring program is a one-to-one mentoring opportunity for Bigs and Littles to hang out and get to know each other through spectator and participatory sporting events. All of the events will be coordinated and facilitated by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, but Bigs and Littles will both be responsible for their own transportation to and from the events.
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Littles are between ages 5-17
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Bigs are 15 years or older
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Bigs and Littles are matched based on geography, preferences, and shared interests
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Matches meet in-person, participating in BBBS facilitated events
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Bigs schedule outings with Little and parent/guardian and are responsible for transporting Little
THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:
-
Regular Match Support Contacts (in-person during scheduled events) with Big and Little to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (Match Support Contacts with parents/guardians at the beginning of the match and every 6 months the match remains together)
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Bi-monthly BBBS-hosted activities for Matches to attend (local games, organized sports, etc.)
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Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.
TIME & FREQUENCY
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Matches meet 1-2 times each month at agency facilitated events
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Bigs and Littles commit to 6 months
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DESCRIPTION
Big Buddies gives high school students an opportunity to serve as mentors and positive role models for elementary school students during the school year. This program aims to foster meaningful connections between students and give high schoolers a space to share their experiences and knowledge.
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Littles are between ages 5-11
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Bigs are 15 years or older
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Bigs and Littles are matched based on geography, preferences, and shared interests
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Matches meet in-person at the Little's school choosing activities based on their interests
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Bigs are responsible for their transportation to the Little's school
THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:
-
Regular Match Support Contacts with Big, Little, and parent/guardian to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (monthly calls in the first year, then quarterly)
-
BBBS provides activities and conversation starters to help Matches get to know each other during their sessions
-
Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.
TIME & FREQUENCY
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Bigs schedule regularly occurring meetings according to their and their Little's class schedules. BBBS will help get both school's approval for the meeting schedule
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Matches meet 2-4 times each month for 1 hour or so during lunch or after school
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Bigs and Littles commit to 1 school year