As a parent/guardian, you recognize your child's potential better than anyone. Give your child the opportunity to be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters and start them down a path to an even brighter future.

SAFETY FIRST

All Volunteer Bigs go through an extensive screening process including background and reference checks, face-to-face volunteer interview and training. Parents are asked to stay involved in the match by approving all activities, asking your child questions about their outings, regularly communicating with your child’s Big and with BBBS Staff, and sharing any milestones they reach throughout the match.

IMPACT

The purpose of our program is for youth to achieve higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, educational success, and avoidance of risky behaviors. Research shows that being in a positive relationship with a volunteer mentor has a direct and measurable benefit in your child’s life.

Youth matched in our program:

  • Are more confident

  • Are more likely to avoid drugs and alcohol

  • Do better in school

  • Have better peer and family relationships

GETTING STARTED

If your child is 6-16 and they are interested in being matched with a mentor, please contact us to get an application. We will meet with both you and your child to explain rules and guidelines and then get to know their interests, personality, strengths and areas they could use support.

In a Community-Based match, parents must complete an online Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training.

WHO ARE OUR LITTLES?

Youth are eligible to be enrolled in our program if they:

  • Want to be matched and can understand the role of their Big

  • Are 6-16

  • Live in Portage or Wood County

  • Are able to build a safe and healthy relationship with a Big

  • Have a parent/guardian willing to partner with us by maintaining regular communication with their child’s Big and BBBS to ensure child safety and health relationship development

WHO ARE OUR BIGS?

All of our Volunteer Bigs live/work in Portage and Wood County. They are students, professionals, members of organizations, retirees, and just ordinary people who are extraordinary! The safety of all youth is the most important thing, therefore each Big in our program must complete an extensive screening process by professional BBBS Staff prior to being matched with a child.

A Volunteer Big is first and foremost a mentor who offers support and encouragement to their Little. The primary role of a Volunteer Big is always that of a friend and is not that of a parent substitute. Volunteers display acceptance, understanding, guidance, and positive role modeling through a one-to-one relationship with their Little.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A Big will meet with your child approximately 2-4 times a month. Volunteer Bigs are required to provide transportation, plan and coordinate low-cost/no-cost outings, and discuss any potential cost of planned activities prior to the outing.

Depending on your child’s needs, interests, and personality, activities could include playing games, being outdoors, attending a BBBS sponsored event, going to a library, and so much more!

A BBBS staff member (Match Specialist) will be in regular communication throughout the relationship to ensure child safety and healthy relationship development. Your Match Specialist will be available to provide resources, share upcoming BBBS events and activities and discuss any potential concerns.