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| FAQ’s
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Why a mentoring program? Why not just play ball with the neighbor kids? |
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Our program recruits volunteers who can make the kind of committment that makes a difference for young people. More than a pickup game of basketball, Big Brothers and Big Sisters provide long-term friendship on a regular basis.
Volunteers in our program are screened for safety and trained in mentoring techniques. Matches are supervised the entire time they are meeting, to ensure that children are having a positive experience.
Professional Case Managers are trained and have experience working with families. Case Managers can connect families to resources in the community, and provide support and encouragement to volunteers.
Finally, we have several structured and free activities throughout the year for matches. And local businesses and organizations regularly donate passes or tickets for services and events.
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What does the Big Brother Big Sister program cost? |
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Our programs are FREE for the children and families we serve. This is possible through the generous support of local businesses and individuals during our annual fundraising events. It is estimated that it costs our agency $1,500 per year to support a mentoring a match. Visit the "Contribute" section of this site to learn more about how you can donate to our agency.
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Who are the professional staff? |
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Case Managers are required to have a Bachelor's degree and to complete a background check. Case Managers have experience working with youth and families and/or demonstrate knowledge of social work principles. Case Managers are guided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's Standards of Practice for One to One Service. Most of our Case Managers have been mentors themselves and can also speak from this perspective.
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Is this a government agency or a national program? Where does the funding come from? |
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North Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters is local non-profit, and an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, guided by a local Advisory Board made up of local civic leaders. The board coordinates our fundraising efforts because over 80% of our operating costs are raised locally. Please visit our ""Community Support" page for more information on how local businesses and individuals contribute to our program.
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Who are the Little Brothers and Little Sisters? |
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Youth who lack regular contact with one or both parents make up our family of Little Brothers and Sisters. Parents or guardians call us because they are worried about their child feeling lonely or isolated without another adult role model and friend. Children must be at least 6 to participate, and once matched youth can remain in our program until their 18th birthday. Visit the "Becomming a Little" section for more information.
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Who are the volunteers? |
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Big Brothers and Big Sisters are volunteers of different ages and backgrounds. We recruit mentors who are active, fun-loving, patient and non-judgmental. Ages range from 15 to 80. Visit the "Volunteer" section to learn more about what we are looking for in Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
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How does Big Brothers Big sisters differ from other youth organizations? |
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Most other youth organizations offer group activities for children and teens. Our program is unique in that it provides children and teens with one to one attention from an adult who is there just for them. We encourage families to pursue other opportunities for their children in addition to our program, including sports teams, after school programs, and church-based youth groups.
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Are Big Brothers Big Sisters programs effective? |
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Most of us can recall an adult or older friend whose friendship was a positive, guiding force when we were a child. Our program offers that experience to children who don't have "natural" mentor in a parent or other family member. While we think friendship itself is worth it, many organizations have conducted research on positive youth development and have concluded that one to one adult mentoring is one of the keys to youth achieving their full potential.
The most famous private study of the Big Brothers Big Sisters model concluded that children who are matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister are:
46% less likely to start using illegal drugs
27% less likely to start using alcohol
52% less likely to skip a day at school
37% less likely to lie to their parents
You can read this study on mentoring and others like it by visiting the Web site of Public/Private Ventures and clicking on the "Publications" section.
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