Big Brothers Big Sisters FAQs

1. What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?

   Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) will provide both community-based and school-based mentoring.

   Community-Based: Children are matched with a mentor who will build a friendship with them while doing things in the community. They will participate in activities that they enjoy, whether it is going to the park, going to a ballgame, going out to eat, learning to cook, building things, or any other fun activity. The purpose of BBBS is to help a child who needs a friend or a role model, become caring, competent, and independent individuals.

   School-Based: Children are matched with a mentor who will build friendships in the school setting. They may work on homework, play games, have lunch together, or just talk.

2. How much time will a Mentor spend with my child?

   Community-based Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and Big Couples are asked to spend a minimum of 2 to 4 hours per month with the child. School-based mentors are asked to meet with the child 1 hour per week throughout the school year.

3. How old must by child be?

   Children must be 7 to 14 years old at the time they are matched. Once matched, they can remain matched until the child turns 18 years old.

4. How old are the mentors?

   Mentors must be at least 16 years old, but there is no age limit.

5. Is this program safe?

   All mentors are screened. Both criminal background check and Department of Motor Vehicle check are completed, as well as checking references and conducting a personal interview and a home assessment.

6. What does this program cost?

   There is no cost to be involved in the program. Parents are encouraged to pay for the child's portion of any activity their child and his or her mentor participate in.

7. Is there a waiting list?

   A child's wait will depend on what mentors are available.

8. How do I sign up my child?

   To learn how to sign up a child, check out our Enroll a Child Application page found here.