PLEASE NOTE:
At this time, we are only accepting new general referrals for our Big Sisters program for girls ages 6-15.
Note: We are accepting new referrals from our Family Resource Network partners and Child & Family Services to our other Community-based programs (including Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Sibling and PRISM programs). Please contact Haley Weeks, Community-based Coordinator at Haley.Week@bgbigs.ca.
Program Options
Community-Based Mentoring Program
Traditionally known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentoring programs have grown in their diversity over the years. We’ll match your child with a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Sibling who will spend time with them out in the community. The focus is on positive role modelling.
In addition, we enroll young people who have had involvement with Children Services and could be living in alternate arrangements such as Foster Homes, Group Homes, or Kinship placements.
Ages Served: Kids between ages 6 and 24.
PRISM Mentoring Program
PRISM (Pride, Respect, Identity, Safety, Mentoring) is a mentoring program designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Edmonton and Area.
The PRISM program matches children and youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ with an adult mentor who also identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ for a 1-to-1 mentoring relationship. Through regular outings, the match will foster a supportive, empowering and fun friendship!
Ages Served: Children and youth between ages 6 and 24.
In-School Mentoring Program
In-School Mentoring provides young people with a role model and friend, all from the familiar space of their own school. Students are matched with a mentor who will meet with them for 1 hour every week. Each meeting follows the “20-20-20 model,” which involves 20 minutes of getting to know each other, 20 minutes of school work support, and 20 minutes of the mentee's choice in activities. All mentors are fully screened and trained by our Agency, and contact with mentors is limited to the school setting only.
Ages Served: Children and youth between ages 6 and 18.
Please note that your child must attend one of the schools listed on the application to participate in this program.
Enrollment Process
1. Application Form
Please review our application form to see if you live in an eligible area.
We continue to accept referrals from our agency partners in the Family Resource Networks, as well as for young people with Children and Family Services involvement.
For further questions and inquiries, please contact the Community-Based Coordinator, Haley Weeks, at haley.weeks@bgcbigs.ca or call 780-264-7143.
In-School Mentoring: Complete the application form by clicking the “Enroll a child” button below. You can see the list of qualifying schools in the application.
2. Consents, Interview and Training
We’ll contact the parent/guardian to set up an in-person interview where we’ll get to know the young person so we can match them to the best volunteer. The interview typically takes 2 hours. We will also complete the Training with the parent/guardian and the young person in the same appointment. We go over important concepts like boundaries, healthy relationships, and safety to make sure they’re starting their match off right.
3. Matching
This is when we find the young person a volunteer who is going to be a good fit. When we meet for the interview, we will discuss timelines and factors in finding a match.
Questions?
Liz Voy
Mentoring Supervisor
Email: liz.voy@bgcbigs.ca
Phone: 587.930.7034