top of page
Libby.jpg

OUR PROGRAMS

PatternLineTiles_White-25000x1301-53da98b_edited.png
BBBS_Interactions020_Mitch Kaeden.jpg

COMMUNITY- BASED PROGRAMMING

After enrolling in our Community-Based Mentoring program, Bigs and Littles are thoughtfully matched based on geography, preferences (including gender, race, and age), shared interests, and overall compatibility. Once the match is approved by the Big, Little, and parent or guardian, an introduction is coordinated and the match officially begins.

​

  • Littles are youth ages 7–17

  • Bigs are adult volunteers ages 18+

  • Matches are created based on location, preferences, and shared interests

  • Bigs and Littles meet in person for outings in the community, with activities chosen based on their interests and availability

  • Bigs coordinate scheduling with the Little and their parent/guardian and are responsible for transportation

  • Bigs schedule outings with Little and parent/guardian and are responsible for transporting Little

Activities are flexible and unique to each match. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, trying something creative, or simply talking and connecting, each match defines what meaningful time together looks like.

​

THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

​

We recognize that starting a new mentoring relationship can feel like a big step. Our team provides ongoing support to ensure each match is safe, consistent, and successful, including:​

​

  • Regular Match Support contacts with the Big, Little, and parent/guardian (monthly during the first year, then quarterly)

  • Monthly BBBS-hosted events and activities for matches

  • Access to tickets for local sports, arts, and community events

  • Discounts and free opportunities at local businesses

  • Ongoing training and resources for Bigs, including topics such as cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, and youth development

 

TIME & FREQUENCY​

  • Most matches meet on weekends or weekday evenings, depending on availability

  • Matches typically meet 2–4 times per month for 1–3 hours

BBBS_Interactions002_Sherry Ankita.jpg

SITE-BASED PROGRAMMING

DESCRIPTION

After enrolling in our Site-Based Mentoring program, Bigs and Littles are thoughtfully matched based on preferences (including gender, race, and age), shared interests, and overall compatibility. Once the match is approved by the Big, Little, and parent or guardian, an introduction is coordinated and meetings can begin.

Program Details

  • Littles are youth ages 5–17

  • Bigs are adult volunteers ages 18+

  • Matches are created based on personality, preferences, and shared interests

  • Bigs and Littles meet in person at a designated site, such as a school, after-school program, or other youth-serving organization

  • Matches participate in structured activities or choose how to spend their time together based on shared interests

THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:

  • Regular Match Support Contacts (monthly calls in the first year, then quarterly) with Big and Little to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (Match Support Contacts with parents/guardians at the beginning of the match and every 6 months)

  • BBBS provides activities and conversation starters to help Matches get to know each other during their sessions

  • Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.

TIME & FREQUENCY

  • Bigs schedule regularly occurring meetings during their Little's lunch or after school

  • Matches meet 2-4 times each month for 1 hour or so

  • Bigs and Littles commit to 1 school year

Big Don Little Fox.jpg

SITE BASED PLUS PROGRAM

DESCRIPTION

Our Site Based Plus Program provides flexibility to matches allowing them to meet in both site based and community settings. Bigs and Littles are thoughtfully matched based on geography (within a 20-minute drive), preferences (gender, race, age, etc.), shared interests, and compatible personalities. Once the Match is approved by Big, Little, and parent/guardian, introductions are made and we’re off!

  • Littles are between ages 7-17

  • Bigs are 18 years or older

  • Bigs and Littles are matched based on geography, preferences, and shared interests

  • Matches generally begin by meeting at their designated site regularly and then begin to have some outing in the community after they've gotten comfortable together

  • Bigs schedule outings with Little and parent/guardian and are responsible for transporting Little except when meeting at their site

  • Activities vary based on the interests of the Bigs and Littles, so whether it’s frisbee at the park, paint night and ice cream, doing homework, a picnic hike, or read together, each Match can define what "quality time" looks like for them. 

 

THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:

  • Regular Match Support Contacts with Big, Little, and parent/guardian to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (monthly calls in the first year, then quarterly)

  • Monthly BBBS-hosted activities for Matches to attend (skiing event, themed parties, craft nights, etc.)

  • Tickets to sports, concerts, performing arts, and other community events for Match outings

  • Discounts or free admission to businesses around town for Match outings

  • Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.

 

TIME & FREQUENCY

  • Most Matches begin by meeting at their site on a regular basis and add community outings later on (timing varies based on schedules of Bigs/Littles)

  • Matches meet 2-4 times each month for 1-3 hours

Little Zachary Big Joe-5001x3335-97f3584.jpg

DESCRIPTION

Our Sports-Buddies mentoring program is a one-to-one mentoring opportunity for Bigs and Littles to hang out and get to know each other through spectator and participatory sporting events. All of the events will be coordinated and facilitated by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, but Bigs and Littles will both be responsible for their own transportation to and from the events.

  • Littles are between ages 5-17

  • Bigs are 15 years or older

  • Bigs and Littles are matched based on geography, preferences, and shared interests

  • Matches meet in-person, participating in BBBS facilitated events

  • Bigs schedule outings with Little and parent/guardian and are responsible for transporting Little

THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:

  • Regular Match Support Contacts (in-person during scheduled events) with Big and Little to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (Match Support Contacts with parents/guardians at the beginning of the match and every 6 months the match remains together)

  • Bi-monthly BBBS-hosted activities for Matches to attend (local games, organized sports, etc.)

  • Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.

TIME & FREQUENCY

  • Matches meet 1-2 times each month at agency facilitated events

  • Bigs and Littles commit to 6 months

Sports Buddies
Big Hailey Little Jahz 6.jpg
Big Buddies

DESCRIPTION

Big Buddies gives high school students an opportunity to serve as mentors and positive role models for elementary school students during the school year. This program aims to foster meaningful connections between students and give high schoolers a space to share their experiences and knowledge.

  • Littles are between ages 5-11

  • Bigs are 15 years or older

  • Bigs and Littles are matched based on geography, preferences, and shared interests

  • Matches meet in-person at the Little's school choosing activities based on their interests

  • Bigs are responsible for their transportation to the Little's school

THE ROLE OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
Starting a new relationship can be daunting for both the Big and Little, but we’re here every step of the way, providing:

  • Regular Match Support Contacts with Big, Little, and parent/guardian to ensure the Match is healthy, safe, and thriving (monthly calls in the first year, then quarterly)

  • BBBS provides activities and conversation starters to help Matches get to know each other during their sessions

  • Resources and training for Bigs to increase cultural competency, trauma-informed mentoring, acknowledging biases, etc.

TIME & FREQUENCY

  • Bigs schedule regularly occurring meetings according to their and their Little's class schedules. BBBS will help get both school's approval for the meeting schedule

  • Matches meet 2-4 times each month for 1 hour or so during lunch or after school

  • Bigs and Littles commit to 1 school year

bottom of page