Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring program provides boys and girls with a positive adult role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee. This relationship is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by experienced case-workers. The desired result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring program requires a minimum of 1 year commitment with regularly scheduled outings between the Big and the Little.
The program strives to do the following:
- Provide a role model and a friend for boys and girls
- Promote the importance of staying in school and healthy relationships with family and peers
- Instill trust and self-confidence in order to make healthy decisions
- Encourage leadership skills and independent thinking
- Above all, make a difference while having fun
IN-SCHOOL MENTORING
In-School Mentoring (ISM) is the original Big Brothers Big Sisters 1:1 mentoring program adapted for schools, meeting children and youth where they spend most of their time.
The Big meets with their Little for one hour a week, on school property, during school hours. The program was designed to increase access to mentoring for children and youth who may not otherwise be able to participate in community-based programs, helping them build confidence, strengthen social and emotional skills, and feel more connected and supported in their school environment.
Bigs with the ISM program are from all walks of life: retired adults, university/college students, corporate volunteers, stay-at-home parents, or young professionals.
Benefits for Littles
- Something positive to look forward to in their school day
- Improved social awareness and pro-social behaviour
- Better attitude toward school and learning
- Higher engagement and motivation
- Stronger social skills and peer relationships
The ISM program requires a minimum of 1 academic year commitment.
COUPLES FOR KIDS
This program matches couples with a child for a unique two-to-one friendship. This friendship can help to broaden the life of a child and provides acceptance, guidance and support. The agency strives to match each couple with a child whose needs correspond with the couple’s abilities interests, and preferences. After a match has been made, the caseworker offers on- going support, match-check ins and guidance.
Big Bunch Program
The Big Bunch Program was developed for children in our program waiting to be matched up with a Big. Big Bunch activities are held bi-weekly during the school year. The Big Bunch program allows for Littles to further develop social skills and make new friends while having a good time with our adult volunteers.
Friends For A Day
This is a program for volunteers who want to share their time but are unable to commit to one specific child as in the Traditional One-to-One Match.
The Volunteer contacts the office and indicates an activity they would like to do with a Little and would be matched with a child from the waiting list for that activity.