Community-Based Mentoring Program | Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands

Serves children ages 7-21 by matching them with a caring, positive adult role model. The child and mentor meet in the community and spend time doing different activities they both enjoy and/or interact on any video conferencing platform that is not observable by BBBS. The participants commit to meeting for a minimum of 4 hours in 2-4 outings per month for a minimum of 12 months. Mentors can be a Big Brother, Big Sister, or a Big Couple. (Married couple or 2 individuals in a committed relationship for 3 or more years who currently live together.)

The following programs are part of the Community Based Mentoring program and serve a specific population of children:

- Juvenile Justice – Youth in this program have had some contact with the juvenile justice system (delinquency court appearance, parole intake or actual arrest) and can benefit from a friend and role model who helps guide them as they work towards making better choices.

- Mentoring Children of Prisoners – The children in this program have one or both parents currently incarcerated. Bigs in this program can help just by being their friend and giving stability to that youth.

- Latino Mentoring – Children in this program have Latino heritage and may have Spanish speaking parents, and may prefer a Spanish speaking mentor. These matches are supported by bilingual Big Brothers Big Sisters’ staff members.

- Foster Care – Youth in foster care placements have interpersonal, developmental challenges and are vulnerable as they transition into adulthood. These youth can benefit from a friend and role model who helps guide them as they work towards making healthy choices.

- LGBTQ+ – One-to-one mentoring can help LGBTQ+ youth confront challenges and promote positive personal and educational outcomes.