As a parent, you recognize the potential of your child better than anyone. By giving him or her the opportunity to connect with a mentor (Big) as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re creating a path to an even brighter, more promising future.
Could Your Child Benefit from Having a Big?
It all starts with the right role models. And Big Brothers Big Sisters is the place to start a relationship with one. For more than 100 years (over 50 in this region), Big Brothers Big Sisters has recruited, screened, matched, and supported mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people across the country.
A national study found that children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
- are more confident
- are more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol
- do better in school
- get along better with their family and friends
- feel better about themselves
Do you meet our minimum requirements?
- My child is between the ages of 7 and 14.
- We live in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus or Fort Mill and Rock Hill only in York County.
- My son lives in a female-led household and does not currently have a male role model in his life, such as a father, grandfather, uncle, close family friend, or other trusted male figure. If your child sees their non-residential parent on a regular or consistent basis, they may not be eligible for our program.
- I am able to make a commitment for one year (the year commitment starts on the first day of the match).
Safety:
Our safety commitment is simple: we do everything possible to keep your child safe. We ask parents and caregivers to partner with us in safety. During the enrollment process, we ask families to please review the age-appropriate booklet (“You Have The Right To Feel Safe” or “Healthy Relationships For Teens”) with your child. Our national standards also require parents to attend a child safety training prior to being matched with a Big. More information will be provided as you navigate through the enrollment process.
Take the Next Step
More questions? Please click the link below to get started!
WHO ARE OUR BIGS?
In our Community-based program, Bigs are at least 21 years old and want to make a difference in the life of a child. These mentors are friends, role models, advocates and someone to stand with children as they realize their full potential.
HOW ARE BIGS SCREENED AND TRAINED?
We get it. We’re moms and dads, too. That’s why child safety is our top priority. We have rigorous child protection systems in place to keep kids safe. Our staff and volunteer Bigs undergo thorough screening and background checks.
Child safety, match consistency and positive outcomes are our top priority. The application process includes an application, confirmation of identity via social security number and driver’s license, criminal history background check, driving record check, auto insurance verification, personal/family references, an extensive online interview, and ongoing volunteer training and support.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY?
The role of a family is very important: supporting the friendship, encouraging communication, developing your own relationship with the Big and being responsive to BBBS staff once your child is matched are all essential.
HOW DOES BBBS CHOOSE A BIG FOR MY CHILD?
Our team will learn more about both the Big and the Little through the interview which will help us prepare for the matching process. Matches are made based on many factors. Our professional enrollment and matching team look for Bigs that they think will be a good fit based on where you live, personality and interests, life experiences, academic and career interests, etc.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY CHILD IS MATCHED TO A BIG?
That’s when the fun begins! Matches meet 2-3 times a month and stay in touch in between. Bigs and Littles choose when they hang out together and what they do (with parents’ permission, of course). You and your child will have a dedicated professional staff member throughout your child’s match that will monitor the Match and offer resources for you and your family. Once the Match is made, you remain closely involved in many ways, including:
- Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big
- Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the agency staff
- Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency on a regular basis (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)
- Participating in training on child safety offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, and communicating with your child about the training he or she receives.
HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD BE MATCHED?
We ask for a minimum commitment of one year. Matches can remain active with BBBS until your child graduates from High School or completes our Big Futures Program.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?
The BBBS program is free of charge to families and Bigs. We do ask that the parent/guardian provide some spending money for outings.
WHAT IF IT DOESN’T WORK OUT?
We do everything in our power to make a Match that we think will last. However, we realize that sometimes things come up — Bigs or Littles move, situations change, or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work out, we will end the Match. If this happens, your match support specialist will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible.
Take the Next Step
More questions? Please email us at bbbs.info@bbbscentralcarolinas.org or click the link below to get started!