Thinking about becoming a Big? Consider the benefits children in our programs gain:
91% feel better about themselves.
65% have improved self-confidence.
67% have a better sense of right and wrong.
76% show improved school grades.
80% have a better school attendance record.
82% develop better relationships with their teacher.
90% get along better with other kids.
What is a Big Brother or Big Sister?
A Big Brother or Big Sister is a caring, responsible adult who volunteers a few hours a week to share with a child from a single parent family (a "Little). "Bigs" provide one-to-one friendship to the child and act as mentors.
How does the Big Brother-Big Sister program work?
Bigs and Littles meet for three to four hours a week and share activities that they are both interested in. They can go to a movie, visit the library, bake cookies, plant a garden or go for a walk.
How much does it cost to be a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Although some outings may involve small expenditures, Bigs are encouraged to engage in "no cost" or "low cost" activities and keep spending to a minimum. Remember, friendship cannot be bought.
How does a Big Brother or Big Sister benefit?
Bigs benefit by having many enjoyable times and sharing a child's interests while expanding their own interests. Lifelong friendships are often made and there is the satisfaction of knowing that a real contribution is made to a young person in our community.
Screening
Becoming a Big requires that interested individuals go through an orientation and interview, along with a personal reference and police background check. As you can appreciate, the safety of our children is of paramount importance.
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister, call us at 458-8941. We will be glad to provide you with more information about our program.
The In-school Mentoring Program
A fun and rewarding program, In-School Mentoring matches an adult volunteer (Mentor) with a child (Mentee) in a school environment.The Program is designed to run from September to June to coincide with the school year. All meetings between the Mentor and the Mentee take place on the school premises.
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In-School Mentoring is a modern way of delivering traditional programs and is based on the one-to-one Big-Little relationship. The In School program minimizes the time commitment of the volunteer. Mentors are drawn from the community, corporate sponsors employees and government employees.
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The Mentee
Our Mentees are elementary school students who would benefit from a one-to-one friendship with a caring adult. Mentees are kids who, through encouragement, are likely to realize their full potential by learning to feel good about themselves.
The Mentor
A mentor is an adult who is committed to visiting his or her Mentee weekly for one hour. As a positive role model, a Mentor exhibits a standard of behaviour that models honesty, truth and respect for others. A Mentor shares skills and talents with the Mentee.
The Employer
The school day and the work day coincide so a key component of this program is the employer. Providing a work atmosphere that allows flex time in rescheduling appointments or work hours greatly impacts a person's willingness to become a Mentor. Studies show that employees who are satisfied by meeting personal goals, such as volunteering, are more productive. In today's busy workplace and home environment, people need creative ways to contribute to their community. Employers can take the lead by encouraging volunteering for the In-School Mentoring Program within their company.
Money - None
Friendships are based on mutual interests and time. We do not encourage Mentors to spend money on their Mentees
Experience - None
Your interest, enthusiasm and genuine concern for your Mentee would more than compensate if you feel that you lack experience in working with kids.
Screening
Becoming a Mentor requires that interested individuals go through an orientation and interview, along with a personal reference and police background check. As you can appreciate, the safety of our children is of paramount importance.
How can I get involved?
If you are interested in becoming a Mentor, call us at 458-8941. We will be glad to provide you with more information about our program.
Other Programs
· Big Brothers-Big Sisters conducts a Child Safety Program. This program is for all parents/guardians, children and volunteers involved with the agency. The objective of the program is to reduce the risk of abuse by empowering children through education with information and skills. Children learn about appropriate and inappropriate behaviours and are encouraged to avoid potentially risky situations. As a Little develops a close relationship with his or her Big, the Big becomes a valuable resource in abuse prevention. A Little may confide in his or her Big. Therefore, Bigs are trained to deal with disclosure, advised of special ways of helping a child who has been abused and informed of ways to help a child be less vulnerable to abuse.
· Our agency also provides a program for children who are on the waiting list, the Big Bunch Friendship Program. Through this program, activities are organized ,in small groups, for the children on the waiting list.