BEING A BIG IS EASY, REWARDING, AND FUN!
Here’s an opportunity to be someone very special and give you a great excuse to do “kid stuff!” By sharing experiences, celebrating accomplishments and listening to your Little’s concerns, you will make a difference. Your experience as a Big will be an adventure of a lifetime.
As a Big, you’re simply a friend, not a substitute parent. You’re there to be a source of friendship and guidance for your Little and let them know you care and that they are important. It’s really as simple as that.
To become a Big you need to be at least 18 years old. The enrollment process includes completion of an application, in-person interview, pre-match training, reference checks, and criminal background and driving record checks. When applicable, a home safety assessment will also be completed. The entire process can be completed within seven weeks but may be completed faster in some cases. Upon completion of the enrollment process, you will officially become a Defender of Potential and be matched with a Little who shares your interests. You will open your Little to new Possibilities. Unmatched Littles in the Community-Based Mentoring and Sports Buddies Programs are ages 6-15 and unmatched Littles in the Site-Based Mentoring Programs are in grades kindergarten through eighth.
We have three programs in which you can volunteer as a Big that vary in time commitment and when and where you meet with your Little. Please click below to learn more about these programs.
Ready to talk now? Please call our enrollment & matching coordinator, Kerry Fair, directly at 301.375.0939. You’re also welcome to email her at k.fair@bbbswcmd.org.
We don’t expect you to have all the answers. However, we expect you to have a few questions. It is important to understand that as a Big, you are never alone. A professional staff person will have regular contact with you to offer advice, support and encouragement. There are also bimonthly group activities. These are entirely optional, but many Bigs & Littles enjoy them as it provides a change of pace and an opportunity to meet other Bigs and Littles.
If you and your spouse would like to share some of your time together with a child, you may consider becoming a Big Couple. Big Couples must be at least 21 years old and married for a minimum of two years. As a couple, you are in a unique position to provide an enriching family experience for a Little Brother.
If you haven’t reviewed the FAQs for Bigs, you’ll want to check them out as well. You are also welcome to contact our office at 301.739.4711.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS BECOMING A DEFENDER OF POTENTIAL BY COMPLETING AN APPLICATION! See buttons at top of page. You can complete the application online or download the PDF to print out, complete, and mail in. Once we’ve received your application, we will contact you to begin the enrollment process.
For More Information View Our Full Brochure.