So many ways to get started

 

 Thank you to our Adopt-A-Match Sponsors

                        

Community-Based Mentoring

Community-Based Mentoring is the original Big Brothers Big Sisters model. In this model we serve kids between the ages of 6-17 and Bigs commit to spending an average of 2-3 hours a week with their Little for a minimum of one year (although most matches last much longer). These matches meet during times of their own choosing and determine activities based on common interests such as going to the movies, playing in the park, getting a burger, walking the dog, washing the car, or going on a hike. It’s really all about the Big and Little sharing who they are through a consistent friendship, hanging out, and having fun doing low cost/no cost activities.

When a Big and Little are matched, they are not left on their own. Our staff is available to support each match, help with activity ideas, provide on-going training for Bigs, provide matches with discounts in the community and organize group outings every couple of months for matches to participate in with other matches, further enhancing the relationship building.

 Requirements for Volunteers:

    - Volunteer is 20 years of age or older 
    - Volunteer has a vehicle, current driver’s license, and proof of auto insurance 
    - Volunteer is able to commit for at least one year and 2-3 hours a week
    - Volunteer has lived in the county for at least 6 months 
    - Volunteer plans to stay in the county for the next 18 months 
    - Volunteer has not had a DWI/DUI in the past 2 years
    - Volunteer completes all required background checks, interview and reference checks 
    - We also enroll and match Big Couples

Requirements for Children:

    - We serve children between the ages of 6-17, but typically only match those ages 6-12
    - Child is referred by a parent/guardian 
    - Child is able to commit for at least one year 
    - Child’s family is planning on staying in the county for the next 18 months 
    - Child has a permanent residence 
    - Child desires to be matched in Community-Based program

Mentoring Works!

Our Mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. We have tremendous confidence in our ability to impact children and put them on the right path, but it means even more when an outside study comes to the same conclusion. Children are not the only ones who benefit from being involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Our Bigs find the experience not only fun, but very rewarding! The powerful influence of role models works both ways.  Here’s what some of our Parents, Bigs and Littles had to say about their experience…

Parent - “This experience has been 100% positive for my son. His school work, grades and self-esteem have improved significantly and I think that is a direct correlation to his relationship with his Big.”

Big - “My Little has taught me and enhanced my life, rather than me being the benefactor. This has been very important for me (the one with the “hero complex”) to learn.”

Little - “I have three brothers, so it’s nice to have a girl to hang out with. I love my Big! She’s like a real big sister.”

Little - “It’s crazy how much this program has done for me. My grades and attitude have both gotten better since I’ve been matched with my Big Brother.”

For more information about all of our programs, contact our Program Staff.
La Plata County: Megan Maurillo megan@bbig.org 
Or call 970-247-3720

Archuleta County: Maggie Ives maggie@bbig.org
Or call 970-398-0007

Interested in becoming a volunteer in our Community-Based program? Click here.
Need more information about volunteering? Click here.
Want to make a donation to support our programs? Click here.