FAQs
Q1. HOW OFTEN DO BIGS AND LITTLES GET TOGETHER?
We offer two mentoring options: Community-Based or School-Based. We ask our Community-Based Bigs to meet with their Littles once per week for an hour for at least one year. Our School-Based Bigs meet with their Littles once a week for 30 minutes during their lunch period or recess for the duration of the school year.
Q4. HOW DO I CHOOSE MY LITTLE?
This is what is really unique and great about BBBS. We don’t just select the next child on our list and match them with a Big. Each Big and Little are matched based on compatibility and proximity to each other. Agency staff gets to know each Big, parent, and child that enrolls in the program. They get to know their interests, hobbies, what they are looking for in a Match, and much more. This is crucial because once a volunteer is accepted into the program agency staff will begin searching for a few Littles that they think would make a good match. They will then connect with you to discuss potential Littles, and from there, you ultimately decide which child you think would be the best fit to be your Little.
Q7. CAN I CHOOSE WHETHER I WANT A LITTLE SISTER OR A LITTLE BROTHER?
We match Big Brothers to Little Brothers. Big Sisters to Little Sisters.
Q2. WHAT SUPPORT IS PROVIDED TO OUR MATCH?
Once you are matched with your Little, agency staff will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have agency staff there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
Q5. WHAT DO I DO WITH MY LITTLE?
Activities are up to each Match participant to schedule and participate in on their own time. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, it’s about the time. Common activities include going to get ice cream or going to a movie, playing catch or a video game, attending a sporting event or concert, going to dinner, or running errands. We encourage Bigs to share time instead of trying to create new time. Bring your Little on activities you were already going to do. Keep it simple and focus on getting to know each other. BBBS also hosts great match activities and parties that all Bigs/Littles are invited to. Our Bigs are also occasionally given free tickets to events that agency staff are able to distribute to matches.
Q8. WHAT IF IT DOESN’T WORK OUT?
We do everything in our power to make a Match that we think will last. However, we realize that sometimes things come up, Bigs or Littles move, situations change or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work out, we will end the match. If this happens, agency staff will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible.
Q3. DO THE PARENTS AND CHILDREN WANT TO BE IN THE PROGRAM?
Parents that enroll their children in the BBBS program want the very best for their children. They see the benefits of introducing another caring adult role model in the life of their child. Many say that their children’s Bigs are able to talk to them about issues that are just difficult for a parent to address. That is why parents often say introducing a Big into their child’s life has not only changed their son/daughter’s life, but it’s impacted the entire family. BBBS only enrolls children who want and need the program and whose parents specifically want them to be in the program, so 100% of the children enrolled are ready and excited about being matched.
Q6. DO BIGS RECEIVE ANY TRAINING OR HELP ONCE WE’RE MATCHED?
Yes, your orientation will serve as in-person training and will walk you through situational scenarios to help prepare you for your match. In addition, agency staff will be there every step of the way to offer customized support as your match progresses. We also partner with several organizations that provide workshops and trainings that are beneficial to all parties.
Q9. HOW LONG CAN A MATCH LAST?
We ask for a minimum commitment of one year for each match we make. Matches can remain active through elementary, middle and high school. Many of our friendships end up lasting a lifetime.