Mentoring Opportunities

"Every child who needs a mentor will have one."

Big Brother Big Sister Mentoring

Share a Little of your time ... make a Big impact

BBBS Canada has carried out studies that show what a positive impact our program (and you) can have on a young person's life. "Littles" (as we affectionately call them at BBBS) who spend time with a mentor gain new skills and competencies. They develop an enhanced appreciation of caring for others, do better in school, have a more positive attitude and are grateful for having a mentor. They also build self-confidence - something every child needs growing up in today's world.

In return, "Bigs" (that's you) experience a great sense of accomplishment when they see how their influence opens up new worlds of possibility for their Little Sister or Little Brother.

What do we look for in a "Big"?

Fun, spontaneous people who want to be a positive influence in a child's life. Great listners who enjoy sharing stories, going places and spending quality time with a friend. It's that easy to add magic to a "Little's" world.

If you want to make a real difference and can spare a few hours a week, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon (BBBS) is for you.

Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister

We have great kids eagerly waiting for someone like you. They range in age from 5 to 14, and each is excited about being part of our program - the only thing missing is you!

We know you're busy, so we ask that you share 3 to 5 hours a week with your Little Brother or Little Sister. The expense is minimal when you get your "Little" involved in things they love to do or introduce them to things you enjoy, like sports, reading, listening to music and just generally talking about what's happening in each other's life. It's that simple.

Our "Bigs" are carefully screened to ensure a well suited match is made. Upon completion of the application, we will provide training and then match you with your "Little".

"Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon and Area Inc. is a community supported organization committed to the healthy development of children and you and their families through quality volunteer mentoring relationships.

 

In-School Mentoring (ISM)

Our In-School Mentoring program operates in 24 schools in Saskatoon. Together, mentors and "mentees" participate in various activities at school, from board games to crafts, to sports. It only takes an hour a week to become a role model to one student. Through friendship, guidance and sharing, you'll help build a child's self-esteem.

Our research shows that In-School mentoring makes a difference. For Students:

• 90% of mentors saw a positive change in the child they were mentoring
• 88% of students showed improved literacy skills
• 64% of students developed higher levels of self-esteem.

For Mentors

• 85% of ISM volunteers feel they have a positive influence on the community
• 89% feel better about themselves
• 66% are even prouder of the company they work for.

For Corporations:

• improved public image
• enhanced customer relations and loyalty
• increased brand recognition
• higher employee retention & reduced absenteeism
• improved employee job performance.

In-School Mentoring is for caring volunteers aged 18 and older ... and for companies who support employee volunteerism with flexible work schedules and/or program sponsorship.

If you are interested in volunteering for this program, discuss with your employer the positive effects this would have on a child and your place of employment. If you are an employer and are interested in allowing your employees to participate, please contact us at office@bbbssaskatoon.org or 244-8197 today!

Become an ISM Corporate Sponsor

Encourage your employees to participate in the In-School Mentoring program. Promote the program in your office. Develop flexible work schedules. Talk to us about profiling your company as a corporate sponsor.

All it takes is one hour a week.

Learn more about ISM

Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon at 306-244-8197 to arrange to have a speaker present to your management and staff.

Youth In Care
Youth In Care is a unique program for youth ages 14 to 19 who are in long-term foster care. The program matches youth to a Big Brother or Big Sister who enjoy activities like sports, reading, music or something as simple as having coffee.  Volunteers need to be 21 years of age or older and extra training and support is provided. 

The time commitment is 3 to 5 hours every 2nd week. We ask that you make a minimum commitment of one year.

Momentum

Our Momentum Program pairs a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer with a child who has a federally incarcerated parent. It is just like our traditional BBBS program with extra support and training provided for the volunteer.

The time commitment is 3 to 5 hours a week. We ask that you make a minimum commitment of one year.

Couples For Kids

The Couples for Kids program matches a Little Brother or Little Sister with a caring common-law or married couple. All three of you will enjoy activities such as painting, playing games or just talking about your day. And just in case you get held up at work, your partner can still be there for your Little Brother or Little Sister.

Big Buddy

A Big Buddy is the same as a Big Brother, except that he is matched with 2 or more Little Brothers who do activities together. For this program, a mentor is asked to commit to a 4 month minimum and to meet with his Little Brothers weekly or bi-weekly for an activity suitable for more than 2 people.

Group Mentoring

BUDDY MATCHES: Be a Big Brother or Big Sister to two or more children. Social outings in a group setting, with 4 month commitment.

GROUP ONLY VOLUNTEERING:Supervise and accompany a child on our waiting list to organized activities for "Bigs" and "Littles." The activities are held in the evening or on the weekend with a time commitment of 3 - 5 hours. Attend only the activities which interest you and fit your schedule.

Go Girls

Go Girls! is a mentor-lead, seven session program that incorporates fun, educational games and activities designed to stimulate self-reflection and group discussion. Each session addresses the topics of active living, balanced eating, and feeling good. Each session is 1.5-2 hours in length and is held after school, within school facilities. The main goal of the Go Girls! Program is to develop an appreciation of the benefits of an active, healthy, lifestyle among girls’ aged 12 to 14 ( Grade 7 – 8). In addition, the program strives to achieve the following key objectives:

• To support girls and young women in choosing to maintain a healthy active lifestyle;
• To provide girls and young women with the tools and information they need to choose to lead and maintain a healthy lifestyle;
• To enhance competence, confidence and self esteem of girls and young women regarding healthy active living; and
• To build the leadership and life skills all program participants.

If you are interested in learning more about how to become a GO Girls volunteer please call Sheree Martin at 244-8197 ext 227 or email at sheree@bbbssasaktoon.org Specialized training is provided to each volunteer.