Community Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
*Note: We are only accepting new referrals from our partners within Family Resource Networks or youth and families with involvement with Children and Family Services.
The Community Big Brothers Big Sisters program is one mentor (Big) and one mentee (little) spending time together building a friendship based on trust, support, common interests, and fun! Mentors and mentees participate in a variety of activities – everything from riding bikes, skating, reading, working on homework, cooking, playing video games to just talking and sharing with each other. The focus is on friendship and new experiences. Volunteer Mentors (Bigs) are asked to be able to give a minimum of one hour a week or every other week for the duration of a year. Volunteers in this program are meeting youth out in the community evenings or weekends.
In School Mentoring Program
The In School Mentoring Program is a way to get involved with a child. It allows volunteers (mentors) to share time with a child in their school during the school day. Mentors meet with their (students) following the 20-20-20 rule: 20 minutes of getting to know each other and catching up, 20 minutes of school work or reading, and 20 minutes of free time. In addition to friendship, the focus is on literacy, social support and classroom support. Volunteers in this program are meeting youth in their schools during the school day (lunch hours even!). Matches in this program do not meet over the summer. Great opportunity for businesses to support their employees to get involved in a local volunteer program, and only have to give up an hour of their time each week!
Teen Bigs
The program locally is just beginning to develop programs at the high schools where students in Grades 10-12 can volunteer as mentors to elementary students (Grades 3-5). These programs are run in partnership with the high school and Boys and Girls Clubs Strathcona County.
Any high schools interested in learning more, please contact Sandra Prefontaine at sandra.prefontaine@bgcbigs.ca or at 780-937-1005.
What To Expect
- Build a special friendship with a young person and have fun together.
- Talk, listen, support, guide, encourage – believe in them and help them believe in themselves.
- Keep others informed about what you’re doing.
- Keep in touch with your staff contact person and ask questions as they arise. We also really like hearing about your experiences!
- Provide a safe, responsible environment for the child in your care.
- Be a mentor, a role model to a child
- Ensure the safety of our children and youth and our volunteers.
- Work with you to match you with a young person or program where your interests and availability are considered.
- Assign a direct contact person to provide support and establish expectations and follow up requirements.
- Provide orientation and training so you know what to expect.
- Help you be successful!
Children & Youth With A Mentor Are…
%
More Likely to Graduate
%
Less Likely to Rely on Social Services
%
More Likely to Have Improved Relationships
Children & Youth have increased confidence, self-esteem & sense of hope • Children get better academic grades • Children have improved school attendance • Children experience more positive interactions with peers, parents, & teachers • Children have better social and communication skills • Children are more likely to finish high school • Children are less likely to get involved with criminal activities