One to One Mentoring
ONE-TO-ONE COMMUNITY BASED MENTORING
The Big Brother Big Sister Big Sibling one-to-one community-based program, matches a Little aged 6-16 with a Big aged 18+ based on mutual experiences and shared interests. The pair meet for eight hours per month in the community and build a healthy, caring relationship that can last a lifetime.
Not only do we foster relationships that allow children to thrive, but we reduce risk-taking behavior and support healthy development.
BIG COUPLE: ONE-TO-ONE COMMUNITY BASED MENTORING
Married or Common Law partners who wish to volunteer together can be matched to a mentee through our Big Couples Mentoring program (an extension of the above One-To-One Community Based Mentoring Program).
Couples must be over 25 years old, in their relationship for at least two years and have lived together for at least one year.
Be A Big Fan
The Big Fan mentor would commit to a season (2-6 months depending on the sport) for 2-8 hours/month. The Big Fan would need to be able to commit to following the practice and game schedule for the sport their Little is registered for. The mentor would need to be able to pick up their Little, stay to watch their game/practice and cheer them on and then bring them back home.
By becoming a Big Fan, you are making sure that every child in our community has the opportunity to play a sport, develop skills and friendships that last a life time and have someone cheering them on in the stands!
NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THEIR OPPORTUNITY
We are excited to announce that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville (BBBSLG) and Their Opportunity have partnered to ensure local children and youth will have equal access to sports and recreation. By working together, we will be able to remove barriers to participation and offer children and youth a wide range of supports that include individualized assistance from a caseworker, subsidies, sports equipment, transportation, and life-changing mentoring relationships.
Their Opportunity is a national grassroots children’s charity that delivers and subsidizes local sport for development and community engagement programming. Their Opportunity is committed to providing these subsidies ensuring children from all economic backgrounds have an equal opportunity to participate in grassroots sports and recreation.
APPLY FOR SUBSIDY HERE: https://www.theiropportunity.com/apply
PRISM Program
The PRISM (Pride, Respect, Identity, Safety & Mentoring) One to One Mentoring program is designed to create connection for 2SLGBTQIA+ identifying youth.
PRISM offers one to one mentoring relationships where youth (ages 7-16) can connect with an adult who has lived the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience. The relationship will provide a child or youth with a safe space to explore their identities, create an empowering relationship with a mentor and connect to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Leeds and Grenville.
The PRISM program usually requires two regularly scheduled outings a month of several hours each or one hour per week and a minimum of a one year commitment.
Big G 55+ Mentoring Across Generations
The Big G Program is a one-to-one mentoring program that aims to create an intergenerational relationship between a mentor who is age 55+ and a mentee. It targets early retirees for volunteer mentorship positions and enrols children who need the support and friendship that the Big G can provide. The Big G Program gives mentors and mentees the opportunity to share and learn from each other.
As BBBSLG volunteers, mentors in the Big G program will be provided with specialized asset-building training that they can use within their match, their families, or other community groups and aims to increase social satisfaction and interaction while decreasing social isolation.
Adapting a hybrid model, volunteers can choose to participate in the In-School Mentoring program or Community Based one-on-one program (see above for info about these programs).
In-School Mentoring
In the In-School Mentoring (ISM) program, volunteer mentors are matched with children and youth, identified as needing additional support in schools across Leeds and Grenville. Children referred to the ISM program may face any one of a variety of barriers to educational success.
The mentor and mentee meet for one hour weekly, in school, during the school-day. Children who participate in ISM have improved connection to their school community, improved academic performance, improved attendance and higher educational attainment.
Group Mentoring
Safe Spaces
Safe Spaces is a club for students in Grades 3-6 that runs from January through May. Delivered in a small group setting (ideally 10 students) with a maximum adult to youth ratio of 1:5, BBBS staff work with trained program volunteers to develop mentoring relationships with students in order to facilitate the development of social skills and social problem-solving strategies while also promoting self-esteem in a safe, supportive environment. The aim of this program is to encourage a sense of belonging and community, while growing skills that include active listening, effective communication, self-advocacy and more.
Teen Drop in Program
In partnership with the Brockville Public Library, Teen Drop In is a relaxed, safe space for youth to pop by after school to play games, hang out with friends, watch a movie, eat dinner and chat. Join us Thursdays from 3:00pm-5:30pm at the Brockville Public Library!
Big Bunch Program
Big Bunch is a drop-in program for Big-Little matches AND children and youth on our waitlist who are eagerly awaiting a Big! Join BBBSLG staff for dinner, crafts, board games and more! Join us Wednesdays from 4:00pm-5:30pm at the BBBS Office starting October 2nd!