ENROLLING YOUR CHILD

Bigs are at least 18 years old and want to make a difference in the life of a child. These mentors are friends, role models, advocates and someone to stand with children as they realize their full potential.

Child safety, match consistency and positive outcomes are our top priority. The application process includes: application, confirmation of identity via social security number and drivers license, criminal history background check, driving record check, auto insurance verification, personal/family references, an extensive online interview, an in-home assessment, and ongoing volunteer training and support.

The role of a family is very important: supporting the friendship, encouraging communication, developing your own relationship with the Big and being responsive to BBBS staff once your child is matched are all essential.

Our team will learn more about both the Big and the Little at the interview and that will help us prepare for the matching process. Matches are made based on many factors. Our professional enrollment and matching team looks for Bigs that they think will be a good fit based on where they live, personality and interests, life experiences, academic and career interests, etc.

That’s when the fun begins! Matches meet 2 times a month and stay in touch in between. Bigs and Littles choose when they hang out together and what they do (with parent permission, of course). You and your child will have a dedicated professional staff member throughout your child’s Match that will monitor the Match and offer resources for you and your family.

We ask for a minimum commitment of one year.  Matches can remain active with BBBS until your child graduates from High School.

The BBBS program is free of charge to families and Bigs. We do ask that the parent/guardian provide some spending money for outings. 

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, your match support specialist will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible.