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Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples are caring adults who spend a little time to make a big difference. They serve as companions, friends and role models to children, primarily from single-parent homes. By sharing experiences and providing guidance to the Little, the Big can help him or her see all of life’s possibilities and reach their full potential. Bigs and Littles are matched according to common interests, compatible personalities and who live within a convenient distance from one another. Mentors are asked to make a one year commitment in the program.

To become a Big Brother or Big Sister you need to be at least 18 years old. The screening process involves completing a written application, in person interview and a home visit. A criminal background check and driving record check will be completed on all volunteers. Upon completion of the screening process, you’ll be matched with a 6 to 13 year old boy or girl from a single-parent home who shares your interests – a child that could benefit from someone like you to look up to. You take if from there.

Here’s an opportunity to be someone very special. It will give you a great excuse to do “kid stuff”. Just by sharing experiences, celebrating accomplishments and listening to a child’s concerns, you can make a difference. Your experience as a Big Brother or Big Sister will be an adventure of a lifetime.

As a Big Brother or Big Sister, you’re simply a friend, not a substitute parent. You’re there to help take some of the stress out of life in a single-parent home, to be a source of friendship and guidance for your Little Brother or Little Sister and just let them know you care and that they are important. It’s really as simple as that.

We don’t expect you to have all the answers. We expect you to have a few questions. It is important to understand that as a mentor, you are never alone. The professional staff will help bring out the best in you. Our group activities are designed to introduce you and your Little Brother or Little Sister to other “matches” for activities like bowling, picnics, holiday parties – all kinds of fun activities. Our case workers are there if you need someone to talk to. We are there to support you.

If you and your spouse would like to share some of your time together with a child, you may be just right for our couples program. Volunteers must be 21 years of age and married or cohabiting for a minimum of two years. As a couple you are in a unique position to provide an enriching family experience for a boy or girl from a single-parent home. Activities you might enjoy with the child include walks in the park, backyard barbecues and playing board games. More important than the activity you choose is the time you are spending together, building a friendship. Together you and your spouse can provide direction, guidance and friendship that will help a child grow into a responsible adult.

The School-Based Mentoring concept is simple. It is to provide children with a supportive adult relationship, which can help them to succeed. Academics and learning are part of the relationship, but the primary focus is the one-to-one friendship, support and positive role modeling. The program is designed to serve students identified by school personnel as needing extra guidance and support. Mentors meet with a student at Eastern Elementary, Pangborn Elementary, Bester Elementary, Fountaindale Elementary, Salem Avenue Elementary, E. Russell Hicks Middle or Northern Middle School once a week for an hour during the school day.

• A mentor must be at least 18 years of age. There is no maximum age. A criminal background check will be completed on mentors. Any mentor who has been convicted of a crime will be considered on a discretionary basis by the agency’s professional staff.
• Express your interest by contacting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County, MD and request an application. The screening process involves completing a written application and an in-person interview. Upon acceptance into the program, you’ll be matched to a child in a school setting.
• They are elementary and middle school students (K-8) who have been identified by a teacher as needing academic support or help with socialization. All children must have written consent from their parent/guardian to participate in the program.
• Mentors meet with the child one hour every week at a time convenient to the mentor and acceptable to the classroom teacher. All contact with the child takes place on school grounds, unless it is a group activity sponsored by the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency.
• As a mentor, you may help the student with their school work (ex. math facts, reading). You may have lunch with the student and just take time to talk with the child. You could play board games, go to the computer lab or make use of other “school space”.
• A professional staff person will talk to you on a monthly basis to see how your relationship is developing. The classroom teacher can assist with any specific concerns. As a mentor, you will be covered by the agency’s insurance and have an opportunity to participate in group activities.

                         

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