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FAQ
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
What is a “Big”?
How is Big Brothers Big Sisters different
from other mentoring programs?
I don’t live in Milwaukee –
is there a program near me?
About Volunteering
Why should I volunteer as a Big?
What volunteer options are available?
What qualifications do I need to have?
What sort of commitment do I have to make?
I don’t have experience with kids
– can I still be a mentor?
Will being a Big cost me a lot of money?
Where do the kids come from and what are they like?
How do I know I’ll get along with my
Little?
What kinds of things do Bigs and Littles
do together?
What is the process for becoming a Big?
What type of support will I receive?
Are there other ways to support Big Brothers
Big Sisters if I don’t become a mentor?
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee, Inc. (BBBS) is a non-profit
agency, established in 1975, that serves Milwaukee and Waukesha
counties. The mission of the agency is to help children reach their
full potential through professionally-supported, one-to-one mentoring
relationships. The program matches volunteer mentors, 18 and older,
with children aged 6–17.
What is a “Big”?
“Big” is how we refer to our Big Brother and Big Sister
volunteers. The role of a Big is first and foremost a caring friend
to a child, or “Little.” Bigs can also be role models,
guides and tutors.
How is Big Brothers Big Sisters
different from other mentoring programs?
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of America is the oldest and largest
youth mentoring organization in the nation, with over a century
of proven success. Several characteristics distinguish our programs:
- One-on-one, friendship-based programs with flexible scheduling
and activities
- Thoughtful matching process that takes into consideration each
child and volunteer's personality and interests
- Professional, ongoing support and resources provided to our
volunteers and families throughout their involvement with BBBS.
Each volunteer is assigned their own Match Support Specialist,
who checks in with the volunteer regularly and is there to answer
questions, troubleshoot any problems and provide activity ideas.
I don’t live in Milwaukee
– is there a program near me?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee serves all of Milwaukee
and Waukesha counties. To find an agency location outside our service
area, please visit our national website at www.bigbrothersbigsisters.org.
About Volunteering
Why should I volunteer as a Big?
Being a Big Brother or Sister is a fun, rewarding experience that
will have a direct, positive impact on a child in your community.
Our Bigs tells us they get many benefits: the chance to be a kid
again, the opportunity to introduce a child to new things, the pride
of being a part of their Littles' achievements and the feeling that
their volunteer time makes a real difference.
What volunteer options are
available?
BBBS of Metro Milwaukee offers two mentoring programs, Community-based
and Site-based, with
varying time commitments and scheduling options.
What qualifications do I need to have?
Almost anyone who is at least 18-years-old can be a Big Brother
or Sister. You don’t need previous experience with kids or
a special degree. You just need to be a reliable and responsible
friend and have the willingness to share four to six hours a month
with a young person. A background check and interview are required
to ensure that all volunteers in the program are appropriate to
work with children.
What sort of commitment do I have
to make?
In order to build a friendship that will have a positive effect
on a child’s life, we ask our volunteers to commit to meeting
with their Little three to four times a month for one year.
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I don’t have experience with
kids – can I still be a mentor?
Definitely! Big Brothers and Sisters aren’t babysitters or
social workers – they’re friends. One of our staff experts,
a Match Support Specialist, will be there to cheer you on and to
help you out if you have any questions.
Will being a Big cost me a lot of money?
We encourage volunteers to spend little, if any, money on activities
and not to give gifts to their Littles. You are not responsible
for providing food, clothing, shelter or paying any other expenses
for your child or his or her family. The only cost to Site-based
Bigs is your own transportation to the
school or club. In the Community-based
program, volunteers do pay for expenses incurred during any
outing or special activity (e.g. tickets to a Brewers game) they
choose to participate in with their Little. (Some
of these expenses are tax deductible.) BBBS provides information
about free or inexpensive outings and events and has a discount
program with special offers for Bigs and Littles.
Where do the kids come from and what are
they like?
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children between the ages of 6 and
17, many from single-parent homes. Most children are enrolled by
their parent or care-giver. We also receive referrals from other
youth service agencies, teachers and guidance counselors. All our
children are kids who could benefit from spending time with a positive
role model or adult friend. Our Littles come from all socioeconomic
and ethnic backgrounds and live throughout Milwaukee and Waukesha
counties.
How do I know I’ll get along
with my Little?
Our main objective is to match the right volunteer with the right
child in order to create a successful, long-lasting relationship.
All volunteers and families go through an application and interview
process in which we learn details that help us make the right match.
These specifics include family backgrounds, personality and interests.
Once you’re matched, one of our staff members will be assigned
to oversee the relationship to make sure it’s rewarding for
both you and your Little and to help you through any rough spots.
You can always contact your Match Support Specialist if you have
questions or concerns.
What kinds of things do Bigs and
Littles do together?
Being a Big isn’t about planning major events or outings –
it’s just about sharing your time with a child. The activities
you choose to do together will be based on your mutual interests
and the program you've chosen. Some examples include playing basketball,
cooking a meal, planting a garden, riding bikes, helping with schoolwork,
learning to play guitar, going to the zoo or reading a book. It
can be as simple as just including a kid in what you already like
to do. BBBS provides lots of activity
ideas, as well.
What is the process for becoming a Big?
To become a Big Brother or Sister, you will fill out an application
and provide us with references. The agency performs background checks
and one of our staff, an Enrollment and Match Specialist, will interview
you to find out all about you. Based on your personality and interests
your Enrollment & Match Specialist will select one or more of
our unmatched children who would be a good match with you. After
hearing a little about the child, you can decide whether or not
you would like to be matched to him/her. Then the parent is told
a little about you. If the parent approves, you and your Enrollment
and Match Specialist will meet with the child and make the match.
What type of support will I receive?
You, your Little and your Little’s parent will have regular,
ongoing contact with your Match Support Specialist to make sure
things are going well. If you should ever have a question, concern
or need advice, you can feel free to contact us. Our staff is always
willing to encourage your relationship in any way we can. Big Brothers
Big Sisters also provides online
activity ideas and
mentoring resources and sends out regular newsletters
and e-mail alerts about free and inexpensive events.
Are there other ways to support
Big Brothers Big Sisters if I don’t become a mentor?
Financial donations, special
event participation, and community
partnerships help us reach many more children in need and support
the thousands of existing match relationships.
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