What's Involved?

When you click “Enroll Now” you’ll begin a process that will give your child a bigger chance at a better future. It’s easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Tell us about your child by filling out the on-line application. Make sure to let us know how we can contact you.
2. We’ll call and schedule an interview with you and your child. By meeting your child in-person, and getting a good sense of their interests and personality, we’ll be able to match them with the Big Brother or Big Sister who’s just right.
3. Meet their “Big.”Once the interview is done we’ll match your child as soon as possible. There may be a wait, depending on whether a responsible adult who’s a good match for your child is available. Because men don’t volunteer as often as women, girls are usually matched faster than boys.

That's It! Get Started Now

 

You’ll be consulted and involved in the process. “Bigs” are adult friends and role models for your child, NOT mommies and daddies. That’s why we work with parents – and give them veto power over every decision we make.

If you’re not happy, we’re not happy.

 

Here are just some of the ways we work together with parents:

• Parents decide to enroll their children
• We listen to parents’ concerns about who we match their children with – and honor their wishes about a Big’s race, culture, age, neighborhood, or anything else parents are concerned with.
• Once a child is matched, parents can say “No” to the match at any time, for any reason.
• Parents can set ground rules and expectations for what their children will and won’t do when they’re spending time with their Big.
• Parents are always with their children the first time they meet their Bigs, and our Match Support Specialists follow-up after other meetings. We’ll talk to you and your child regularly to make sure everything’s going right
• If parents ever have questions, concerns, or requests, they’ll have a person to call: someone they’ve met before, someone they know and who knows their child.

These are just a few reasons why, at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Parents are our Partners. We’re all working together to make your child successful.

 

But what happens after your child has a Big Brother or Big Sister?

First, there should be regular, consistent, meetings between your child and their Big.  We ask everyone to commit to meeting at least once a week, for 1 – 2 hours, for at least a year.  When and where that happens is up to them – and you.  As a parent, you’ll be involved in making sure these connections work. 

Second, there should be regular communication.   You’ll be hearing from us, too – a lot.  You’ll be given a professional Match Support Specialist whose responsible for following up on your child and their Big.  Your Match Support Specialist will be contacting you, your child, and your child’s Big, every week for the first four months to find out how the match is going, stay on top of developments, and help solve any problems that may come up.  Keeping in touch is the best way to ensure your child is safe, and is getting the most out of their match. 

If everything is going well after the first four months, we’ll reduce our check-ins to once a month.  After the first year, we’ll only need to check in every four months.  But don’t hesitate to contact us!  Your Match Support Specialist will always be available to answer any questions or address any issues you have.  Parents are our partners!

Finally, you and your child and your Big will receive invitations to attend Big Brothers Big Sisters events.  Sometimes these might be holiday parties, sometimes summer cook-outs, sometimes a game of kick-ball.  Feel free to come any time you can!  It’s a great way to connect, meet other families in our program, and have fun. 

 

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