START THEM DOWN A PATH TO AN EVEN BRIGHTER - MORE PROMISING FUTURE.
START THEM DOWN A PATH TO AN EVEN BRIGHTER - MORE PROMISING FUTURE.
PARENT PARTNERS
You know what’s best for your kid. You’re not just part of the process – you’re part of the success. From the start, we need you to inform us about your child’s interests, strengths, and needs – and to approve the mentor Match. Once the Match begins, you remain closely involved approving activities and talking to BBBS staff about your child’s progress.
SAFETY FIRST
Your child’s safety is our first priority. We take extensive care to screen every volunteer with background checks, in-person interviews, and personal training. Once Matched, our professionally trained Match Specialists stay in contact with you as they continue to closely monitor every Match.
REAL IMPACT
We have statistical evidence that youth matched with a Big experience…
Increased confidence & self-esteem
Improved school performance
Higher avoidance of drugs and alcohol
Better interaction with family & friends
THE PROCESS
INQUIRY
Submit your information to our agency and a staff member will contact you
ORIENTATION
Learn the details of the program and complete the enrollment paperwork
INTERVIEW
Meet together for us to better understand your child’s personality so that we can determine their future Big
READY
Your child is ready to be Matched. Our agency staff will carefully select the perfect Big for your child
MEET
When we find the right Big for your child, we’ll contact you to see if you think it’s a good fit too
UPDATE
Throughout the Match, we’ll keep in contact to ensure your child is on the path to success
COMMUNITY - BASED PROGRAM
Our largest program, Community-Based Matches connect a Little of any age with a Big to spend time together in the local community. In this program, Bigs and Littles meet two to three times a month to hang out and have fun together. Whether the Match cooks a meal, sees a movie, shoots some hoops, or plays a game together, the outings create opportunities for meaningful conversations about school, friends, and dreaming big. Littles in the program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow into mature teens and thriving young adults.
LEARN MORE
SCHOOL BUDDIES PROGRAM
For elementary-aged youth, the School Buddy program connects the Little with a local Big who has lunch with them at school once a week during the academic year. If the Little need extra help with school, the Big will use this time to read with them, do fun math activities, or whatever else is needed. School Buddy Matches will also play games, make crafts, or just hang out together. The School Buddy program already exists in over 60 schools within our service region and your child’s school may be one of them. Many students become School Buddies through teacher or guidance counselor referral but parents are also welcome to directly enroll their child in the program. Littles in the School Buddy program are empowered to fulfill their potential as they are set up for success academically, relationally, and emotionally.
LEARN MORE
BIG FUTURES PROGRAM
For those over the age of 13, the Big Futures program focuses on preparing youth for their biggest possible future – whether that’s enrollment, enlistment, or employment. For older community-based matches, the Big Futures program runs in tandem with the Match’s normal outings together and is a natural transition in preparation for the youth after high school. Big Futures provides enhanced support focused on the youth’s graduation from high school and progression into independent and productive citizens.
LEARN MORE
COMMUNITY - BASED PROGRAM
Our largest program, Community-Based Matches connect a Little of any age with a Big to spend time together in the local community. In this program, Bigs and Littles meet two to three times a month to hang out and have fun together. Whether the Match cooks a meal, sees a movie, shoots some hoops, or plays a game together, the outings create opportunities for meaningful conversations about school, friends, and dreaming big. Littles in the program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow into mature teens and thriving young adults.
SCHOOL BUDDIES PROGRAM
For elementary-aged youth, the School Buddy program connects the Little with a local Big who has lunch with them at school once a week during the academic year. If the Little need extra help with school, the Big will use this time to read with them, do fun math activities, or whatever else is needed. School Buddy Matches will also play games, make crafts, or just hang out together. The School Buddy program already exists in over 60 schools within our service region and your child’s school may be one of them. Many students become School Buddies through teacher or guidance counselor referral but parents are also welcome to directly enroll their child in the program. Littles in the School Buddy program are empowered to fulfill their potential as they are set up for success academically, relationally, and emotionally.
BIG FUTURES PROGRAM
For those over the age of 13, the Big Futures program focuses on preparing youth for their biggest possible future – whether that’s enrollment, enlistment, or employment. For older community-based matches, the Big Futures program runs in tandem with the Match’s normal outings together and is a natural transition in preparation for the youth after high school. Big Futures provides enhanced support focused on the youth’s graduation from high school and progression into independent and productive citizens.