About Mentoring

What Is A Mentor?

Think back to when you were a child. Was there someone other than your parents - maybe a neighbor, a family friend, an aunt or uncle, or coach - who shared time with you and made you feel special?

When you become a mentor, you can do the same for a child, or youth.
It's simple. It's about sharing time: playing catch, reading a book, watching movies or just hanging out.

When you enroll, we ask you about your likes and interests so it is easier to match you with a child who has similar likes and interests.

We encourage low cost or no cost activities for all match outings.

Who are our volunteers?

• Kind, caring people from all walks of life.
• People who want to have fun with a child or youth.
• A big friend to a little person
• A person who is 18 years or older.

Mentors are not:

• Substitutes for caregivers, parents or teachers.
• Providers of basic necessities such as food, shelter or money.

Your Role, Our Role

Your Role as a Mentor

• Build a special friendship with a young person and have fun together.
• Take the lead on establishing the friendship.
• Talk, listen, support, guide, and encourage – help them to believe in themselves.
• For matched Big Brothers Big Sisters Program: Bigs pick up and return home their Littles, so a vehicle is an asset but not necessary.
• Keep others informed about what you’re doing. In most of our programs, you communicate directly with the families involved and our staff. In-School Mentors communicate with the school staff and with our agency staff.
• Keep in touch with your caseworker! Ask questions and share stories about all the fun you’ve been having!

Our Role as an Agency

• Assign a caseworker to you.
• Match you with a young person who shares your interests and schedule.
• Depending on the program you choose, keep in touch regularly through phone calls and visits according to our follow-up schedule.
• Keep you informed about events, activities and fun things to do.
• Be there to provide training and support, answer questions and to give direction.

Becoming A Mentor

4 Steps to the Process:

1. If you are 18 years or older and have an idea of what program you are interested in you can complete our Volunteer Application. Simply print it off and fill it in. (Click here to download PDF application form).
2. Mail in or drop off the application.
3. A Caseworker will contact you and go through the intake process with you, including an orientation and information on child safety.
4. You will be matched to your “Little.”