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Volunteer opportunities with Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters works to provide a variety of options for volunteers. Our goal is to provide options that fit into your schedule and give you the contact you most enjoy. For some, a community-based match is best—for others, the structure and boundaries of a site-based program like Lunch Buddies is most comfortable. Whatever your choice, we are pleased that you’re considering BBBS as a place to share your time and heart. As you make this exciting decision, please call 888.456.1600 with any questions you have.
While Bigs and Littles in each program focus on having lots of fun, the results of their time together are significant. A national study showed that that children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister are:
u 52 % more likely to stay in school u 46% less likely to start using drugs u 27% less likely to initiate alcohol use
One-to-One/Big Couple From basketball games to movie nights and roller-blading fun, Little Brothers and Little Sisters are laughing, learning and making memories with caring adult mentors thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters ’s One-to-One/Big Couple program. The program pairs “Littles” age 7-17 with a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple (husband and wife volunteer team) who spend a few hours together each month doing a variety of activities. Although matches initially commit to one year, many Bigs and Littles build lifelong friendships. All matches are supported by a team of professional case managers who answer questions, give advice and provide a listening ear. Time Commitment: 1-2 hours, two times a month for one year.
Sports Buddy Sports Buddies attend games, go to practices, play ball and share their love for sports in a variety of ways. Matches last for 6 months, with the option to continue longer after that time. The program provides a unique opportunity for sports fans to share their expertise or love with a child in a variety of ways. It is open to volunteers and children in each of our eight counties. Free and reduced price tickets are available to all home games of the Fort Wayne Wizards, Fort Wayne Freedom, Fort Wayne Fever, Komets and all IPFW athletic events. Time Commitment: 1-2 hours, two times a month for six months.
Arts Buddy The Arts Buddy program connects Littles and Bigs who have a common interest in the arts, whether it be crafts, painting, drawing, music, or simply enjoyment in visiting local art venues. BBBS provides Arts Buddy matches with tickets to nearly 20 various events and venues, such as the Botanical Conservatory, museums, concerts and more. Arts Buddies is open to volunteers and children in each of our eight counties, but most of the free ticket offers provided through BBBS are for events and venues in Allen County. Time Commitment: 1-2 hours, two times a month for six months.
First Friends The First Friends program serves youth waiting for a Big Brother or Big Sister with museum trips, volunteer gardening, pizza parties and movie nights. Each month, Big Brothers Big Sisters staff plan a variety of outings and First Friends Volunteers provide transportation and companionship for two or three children. The mentors and children enjoy community service, educational and recreational activities. Events are planned throughout the day and evening to provide a variety of opportunities for our volunteers’ schedules. Program activities also help our case management team assess the youths' social and emotional development for eventual matching purposes. Time Commitment: Varies to suit volunteers’ schedule for one year.
Lunch Buddy The Lunch Buddies program pairs elementary school students with caring adult mentors. Buddies meet once a week during the academic year for lunch at the child's school. The agenda is simple - eating lunch, doing homework, reading books, creating arts and craft projects or playing games. This program is perfect for people with tight schedules or people who want to volunteer with a youth but in a more structured environment. Lunch Buddies began in 1998 and has expanded to serve schools in all eight counties. Time Commitment: One hour, once a week for one academic year.
Amachi Amachi (Ama-chee) is the newest addition to BBBS’s mentoring programs. This program pairs faith-based mentors in a one-to-one match with children ages 7 to 17. The name Amachi is derived from a West African word meaning “Who knows but what God has brought us through this child.” Big Brothers Big Sisters is working with area congregations to connect children who are much in need of guidance, support and love through a caring adult mentor. The focus of the program is to provide Bigs to children of incarcerated parents. Studies show that children who have an incarcerated parent or guardian are 70 times more likely to become incarcerated than children who don’t have incarcerated parents. Amachi volunteers assist children in achieving their highest potential by engaging them in consistent and committed mentoring relationships with people of faith. Matches spend a few hours together each month doing a variety of activities. Although matches initially commit to one year, many Bigs and Littles build lifelong friendships. Amachi seeks to provide additional support to each child through interaction and involvement with the mentor’s congregation or faith community.
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