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 undergo background and reference checks, a face-to-face interview, and volunteer training. Parents stay involved by approving activities, asking their child about outings, maintaining regular communication with the Big and BBBS staff, and reporting milestones or progress throughout the match.
IMPACT
Our program pairs youth with volunteer mentors to boost aspirations, confidence, relationships, and school success while reducing risky behaviors. Research shows positive mentoring relationships deliver measurable benefits for children.
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 wants a mentor, contact us for an application. We’ll meet with you and your child to review rules and learn their interests; Community-Based matches require parents to complete 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 that agrees to partner by staying in regular contact with the child’s Big and BBBS to support safety and healthy relationship development.
WHO ARE OUR BIGS?
All Volunteer Bigs live or work in Portage and Wood counties and represent a wide range of backgrounds—students, professionals, organization members, and retirees. Because youth safety is paramount, every Big undergoes an extensive professional screening by BBBS staff before any match is made.
A Volunteer Big mentors a child as a friend, not a parent substitute. They provide support, encouragement, understanding, guidance, and positive role modeling through a consistent one-to-one relationship.
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.