Community Based Programs
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Community-Based Programs

Community-based mentoring offers a flexible way to connect a young person with a positive role model, by matching kids aged 6 to 17 years with volunteer mentors in one-to-one mentoring relationships. In this program, mentors and young people work together to determine goals for their mentoring relationship. Then, they spend time together engaging in activities that support that goal and activities they both enjoy.

 

Bigs communicate with parents and guardians to schedule meet-ups at times that work for everyone. Big/Little matches in this program are eligible to attend our Match Activities (free events hosted twice a month by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound).

 

Community-based mentoring is a proven approach that helps youth build confidence, set goals, and form lasting memories through shared experiences. This tried-and-true model has been in place throughout the nation for over 100 years and is what most people think of when they hear of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

What Matches Do Together

Get an ice cream and take a walk in a nearby park.

Go on photography adventures together.

Go on photography adventures together.

Learn to build battle robots and explore technology interests.

Practice soccer skills together at the park.

Practice soccer skills together at the park.

Get their game on, in real life and online

Get their game on, in real life and online.

We also host FREE activities twice a month that matches are eligible to attend. New matches automatically start receiving invites to these events.

How Our Staff Support Mentoring Relationships

There are three key parts of every community-based mentoring relationship: the mentor, the child, and the parent or guardian. Our dedicated match support team schedules regular check-ins with each to provide support and oversight of the relationship.

How we support Bigs

We ensure that all of our mentors receive training before and during their match relationship.
After making a match, a Match Support Specialist (MSS) schedules regular check-in calls to offer resources and guidance. During these calls, Match Support Specialists provide coaching on building strong friendships, communicating with Littles, and navigating boundary-setting. They also offer support when challenges happen either in the match or in life.

Match Support Specialists also ask about how meet-ups with the Little are going, share details about upcoming match activities, and much more.

How we support Parents & Guardians

Parents and Guardians care deeply about the young people in their lives and reach out to our program seeking help with challenges that are varied and unique. We work with parents and guardians to understand and identify those challenges before the match. Once we create a Big/Little match, a Match Support Specialist reaches out to schedule regular check-in calls. In these calls, Match Support Specialists ensure communication flows successfully between Parents/Guardians and Bigs, facilitate challenging conversations, check on youth safety, and support families in navigating life challenges that impact the match.

How we support Littles

Before we mark a young person as Ready to Be Matched, we confirm that they want a mentor and are interested in the program. This makes it clear from the start that youth are in charge of the mentoring relationship. Once Littles are matched, our Match Support Specialists support them in creating goals for their mentoring relationship, building communication with their Bigs and parents/guardians, and expressing any concerns they have.

In each match support call, Match Support Specialists check in with children about safety and confirm that mentors are respecting and maintaining appropriate boundaries.

How it Works

list the key elements people need to know about Community Based Programs

1
one Big matched with One Little
2
Big plans outings with Little
3
minimum 4 hrs/month
4
at least 1 year

The Impact of Mentorship

Our Top

FAQ’s

What is the selection process for Bigs?

Bigs go through an extensive application process that includes references, background checks, interviews, and more. Our enrollment team is highly trained and will reject any applicant who has any history of or displays any kind of problematic behavior.

How long will a child wait to be matched?

This depends on many factors, but is especially influenced by the pool of mentors available when a parent or guardian inquires. Parents who are open to a broader range of mentors will have their child matched more quickly due to availability. Times can vary from 4-8 months, and is increased by parents and guardians rejection of proposed matches.

How much money should a Big spend on outings?

We encourage Bigs to keep expenses to a minimum and attend or do free activities as much as possible. Bigs are not expected to purchase things or cover expenses for their Little, however, it is up to the Big and the parent or guardian to establish boundaries around outings and their costs.

What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?

We host twice monthly match activities that are free to Bigs & Littles, offer free tickets from community partners and donors to local events, and provide lists of free activities in King, Pierce, and Kitsap Counties. These are great places to start and can reduce the initial discomfort of getting to know each other.

Can I bring my spouse, a friend, or family member on outings?

Outings should be one-on-one. Mentoring relationships are built through time spent together navigating the day to day challenges of life. Having other adults or children along on outings is not encouraged or recommended by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Contact Information

206-763-9060 program@bbbsps.org