Ignite their potential
Inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.
PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
Community Based
Our traditional program, where we match an adult mentor with a youth in our community and they meet for at least 12 months. We hand select every match based on information we collect during the enrollment process including shared interests, geography, and personality.
Meet 2-4X Per Month
Matches meet 2-4 times per month for a few hours each time at a time that is convenient for both the Big and the Little.
Hang Out In The Community
The match can do activities they both enjoy like going to the park, making dinner together, play games, etc. We always encourage matches to find low to no cost activities in our local community to participate in.
Site Based
Our Site Based program allows Volunteers to meet with their Littles once a week during the school year at the Little’s school.
1X Per Week
Volunteers and Littles meet once a week. Matches meet on the same day and the same time. We work with the volunteer to find a day and time that will work best for them each week.
30-45 Minutes
Matches meet for 30-45 minutes each week during the school day. They spend time getting to know each other, playing games, doing crafts, reading, or other activities the match might enjoy.
High School Bigs
Our agency partners with local school districts in this powerful mentorship program that empowers high school students to create real change in their school community by mentoring elementary students. High school mentors (Bigs) build leadership, confidence, and empathy while younger students gain a relatable role model who helps them grow emotionally, socially, and academically.
What To Expect
Matches meet at the elementary school led by a trained BBBSMCR staff member. Each week activities are provided by our agency for the matches to engage in.
When Do They Meet
The matches typically meet during the school day. The exact day and time is determined by the school, and is what makes this program so adaptable to each districts needs! Most frequently matches are meeting weekly, or biweekly for the entire school year.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
We do currently have a waiting list for Littles.
Our waiting list is not first come, first serve we match based on preferences; this means some youth wait longer than others. Matching based on “best fit” gives each match the best chance to build a friendship with their Big. When we receive a volunteer application, all are screened and have a complete background check before matching them with a child. Safety is our top priority. This process also allows us to learn what their interests are and helps us to match them with a child based on common interests.
Application
Submit an application to enroll your child. This must be completed by a legal parent or guardian.
Review
Once a full application is received, A BBBSMCR staff member will review the application and place eligible youth on our waiting list.
Waitlist Contacts
All waitlist Littles are assigned a Match Support Specialist who will complete quarterly contacts to maintain accurate information for waiting youth and provide additional community resources.
Begin Enrollment
Your Match Support Specialist will contact you to proceed with the enrollment process. A meeting will be scheduled to review the program and complete the enrollment paperwork.
Interview
The youth and parent/guardian will meet with staff virtually or in person so that we can get to know the child’s personality, interests, and match preferences.
Training
The parent/guardian must complete all assigned trainings through The Learning Exchange as set by BBBS National Standards.
Match Presentation
Once our agency staff has carefully screened and enrolled the Big that is the best fit for your child, we will present the Match to you for approval.
Match Meeting and Beyond
A meeting is scheduled for you, your child, the Big and our staff to meet in person for the first time. Once the meeting is complete, Matches are permitted to meet per the guidelines of the enrolled program.
FAQ
How often do Bigs and Littles get together?
In our community program our matches meet 2-4 times a month at a time that is convenient for everyone.
In our site base program our matches meet weekly on a designated day and time, only during the school year.
What support is provided to our Match?
Every match has an assigned Match Support Specialist. In the first year of your match the MSS will contact the Big, Little, and their parent/ guardian monthly to ensure the match is going well. If you ever have any questions, concerns, or need guidance your MSS is available to you. After the first year of your match, match support contacts continue quarterly for everyone for the life of the match!
Does everyone need to be interested in participating?
YES! Littles must want to be in the BBBS program. Enrollment involves an interview with both the parent and the child to ensure the child is enthusiastic about having a mentor, as the goal is to build a voluntary, lasting friendship.
What types of activities do Matches do?
Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a book and read together. Buy a comic book to read together. Play a board game. Go on a nature walk. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the radio on and talk about the music you like. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves, and if you are ever struggling to come up with activities reach out to your Match Support Specialist! We have a list of activities for matches to consider and try to regularly provide community events our matches can explore.
What is the cost associated with the program?
There is no cost associated with enrollment or continued participation in our program. We always want the focus to be on the quality of the time that are matches are spending together than the amount of money being spent. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on outings, and always recommend little to no cost activities. The goal of the relationship is to help Littles see the world through a different lens.
From time-to-time matches may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities as the agency receives donations.
How long does a Match last?
In our Community Based matches, we ask that everyone is able to commit to at least 12 months of meeting 2-4 times a month. For our Site Based matches we asked that everyone be able to commit to at least 1 school year. Matches can go beyond the minimum and in fact our agency’s match length is almost double the national average!
How are matches made?
In order to achieve the best match possible, BBBS’ staff spend a lot of time with potential Bigs and with potential Littles and their parents. In addition to reviewing child safety precautions, staff talk about several different subjects during the interview process. “We really want to know what everybody brings to the table and what that child wants and needs. The most important factors in the match-making process are the preferences that a child and a parent have expressed regarding what they are looking for in a Big Brother or Sister, and also the preferences a Big has given about the kind of Little Brother or Sister he or she would like to have. BBBS’ staff aims to match Littles and Bigs who share common interests. Matches are also organized by distance. The goal is to keep the driving distance between a Big and their Little to within 20 minutes, if possible. Finally there’s the “X Factor,” that personality trait or life experience that comes through during the interview process that helps the match specialist determine the best possible fit for a Big and a Little.
What if a match does not 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 just doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it does not work out we will end the match. If this happens, agency staff will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible. Agency staff will also walk you through the next steps if you are interested in being rematched.
What ages can participate?
Our agency enrolls youth ages 5-17 years of age.
How do you ensure my child's safety?
The safety of your child is our highest priority. Making the best possible match between Little and Big is critical to the growth and development of a child. Before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential Bigs. The Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence require each volunteer to complete an extensive screening process.
Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child’s Big to ensure the safety of your child and the Big.
As a parent will I be involved in the process?
When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we’re all in this together. We need the parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the enrollment process. Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs in the interview, but you’ll also be included in the selection of the Big when the time comes. Once the match is made, you will be an integral part of the planning, communication, and safety monitoring of your child’s match.
Throughout the life of the match all participants (Big, Little, and Parent/ Guardian) must maintain regularly scheduled match support check ins for a match to continue. This is one of many ways we ensure the ongoing safety of a child in our program.
What if I need services now?
We understand the potential sense of urgency you may feel and ask for your patience as we proceed, and work to ensure that every match made is the best fit for all involved.
If you are in a more immediate need for services for your child a list of additional community resources is linked below: https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/f/bbbsmcrresourcelist
What happens if my contact information changes?
Please inform our agency immediately to any changes in your contact information or any changes in status. Failure to update your contact information may result in your child’s enrollment being closed.
You may contact your assigned Match Support Specialist or email our team at Enrollment@bbbsmcr.org
Completion of the application does not guarantee services and is in no way a promise or commitment by Big Brothers Big Sister Michigan Capital Region to match your child in the program. BBBSMCR has the right to accept, deny, or close a match at any time. The length of time it may take to match your child with a Big Brother, or a Big Sister is not predictable. All Bigs are volunteers. We will follow up with you as our capacity allows.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Still have questions about enrollment or our programs? Click the “Contact our Team” button below and a BBBSMCR staff member will reach out to you.