Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Our local agency is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. BBBSA, the leader in youth mentoring, began at the turn of the twentieth century when caring philanthropists were moved to help children who were growing up in unstable and impoverished conditions. Since that time, BBBSA has grown to nearly 400 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies serving hundreds of thousands of children.
What does it take to be a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple?
Bigs are caring people with time to devote to a child on a regular basis. Professional staff screen all applicants thoroughly before matching them with waiting children and provide consistent support during the match to the volunteer, child and parent. Being a Big means listening to, learning from and being there for your Little Brother or Sister.
How are volunteers and children matched?
BBBS staff interviews, trains, and carefully matches volunteers and children on a one-to-one basis. Volunteers' interests and desires are carefully considered when making matches. Once a match is made, on-going support is provided by case management staff who offer encouragement and supervision.
What does a Big Brother or Big Sister do with a child in the School-based program?
Bigs In School is a program designed for individuals who may not have time outside the business day to mentor a child. Volunteers and children participating in Bigs In School meet at the child's school one day a week during the child's lunch/recess hour. Activities may include sharing lunch, playing games, helping with schoolwork or just talking and getting to know one another. Matches are made for one school year, however, they may continue during the next school year if both parties agree. All matches are supervised by a professional case manager who provides continual support and guidance. Currently Glen Acres, Murdock, Miami, Miller and Vinton Elementary Schools as well as Sunnyside Middle and Tecumseh Junior High Schools participate in the Bigs In School program. If you would like more information, please contact Robin at 765-446-2227 or e-mail her at robin@bbbslaf.org.
What does a Big Brother or Big Sister do with a child at the YMCA?
The partnership between the YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters provides another site-based options for volunteers. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are matched one-to-one with children in the YMCA aftercare program who benefit from an additional positive adult friendship. Matches meet for one hour each week at the YMCA and have access to the Y facilities at no charge during their visits.
What if I have problems with my match?
Professional staff are on call to assist our volunteers with support, guidance and suggestions. Volunteers are not in this alone!
What are the rewards of being a Big?
Volunteers tell us that being a Big offers many rewards, such as the joy of building a friendship; the opportunity to see a child grow and develop; the fun of sharing activities with a child and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping meet a child's needs. Some volunteers tell us being a Big is one of the most rewarding experiences they have ever had!
Our local agency is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. BBBSA, the leader in youth mentoring, began at the turn of the twentieth century when caring philanthropists were moved to help children who were growing up in unstable and impoverished conditions. Since that time, BBBSA has grown to nearly 400 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies serving hundreds of thousands of children.
What does it take to be a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple?
Bigs are caring people with time to devote to a child on a regular basis. Professional staff screen all applicants thoroughly before matching them with waiting children and provide consistent support during the match to the volunteer, child and parent. Being a Big means listening to, learning from and being there for your Little Brother or Sister.
How are volunteers and children matched?
BBBS staff interviews, trains, and carefully matches volunteers and children on a one-to-one basis. Volunteers' interests and desires are carefully considered when making matches. Once a match is made, on-going support is provided by case management staff who offer encouragement and supervision.
What does a Big Brother or Big Sister do with a child in the School-based program?
Bigs In School is a program designed for individuals who may not have time outside the business day to mentor a child. Volunteers and children participating in Bigs In School meet at the child's school one day a week during the child's lunch/recess hour. Activities may include sharing lunch, playing games, helping with schoolwork or just talking and getting to know one another. Matches are made for one school year, however, they may continue during the next school year if both parties agree. All matches are supervised by a professional case manager who provides continual support and guidance. Currently Glen Acres, Murdock, Miami, Miller and Vinton Elementary Schools as well as Sunnyside Middle and Tecumseh Junior High Schools participate in the Bigs In School program. If you would like more information, please contact Robin at 765-446-2227 or e-mail her at robin@bbbslaf.org.
What does a Big Brother or Big Sister do with a child at the YMCA?
The partnership between the YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters provides another site-based options for volunteers. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are matched one-to-one with children in the YMCA aftercare program who benefit from an additional positive adult friendship. Matches meet for one hour each week at the YMCA and have access to the Y facilities at no charge during their visits.
What if I have problems with my match?
Professional staff are on call to assist our volunteers with support, guidance and suggestions. Volunteers are not in this alone!
What are the rewards of being a Big?
Volunteers tell us that being a Big offers many rewards, such as the joy of building a friendship; the opportunity to see a child grow and develop; the fun of sharing activities with a child and the satisfaction of knowing you are helping meet a child's needs. Some volunteers tell us being a Big is one of the most rewarding experiences they have ever had!
