Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area
Contact Person:
Karlynn Lee
Email:
klee@bbbsba.org
Phone:
510-575-0173
Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Mission Statement:
Describe the Tutoring or Mentoring Opportunity
Community Based, one to one mentorship program
This traditional program matches screened adult mentors (Bigs) with enrolled children (Littles) on a one-to-one basis. The program requires a minimum one-year commitment from Big, Little and the Little’s caregiver. Matches meet two to four times per month, on days and times convenient to both Big and Little. During the meetings, matches plan activities based on their interests such as going to the park, movies, etc. Children ages 8 through 17 are referred to our program by parents, guardians, counselors, social workers, teachers and family friends, and paired with a carefully screened adult mentor through a comprehensive matching process. Mentors are provided with training, support and ongoing coaching from agency staff to help nurture a healthy, lasting relationship between each Big and Little. BBBS is an inclusive organization. We always accept all genders and sexual orientations. We do not charge fees for Littles to enroll in the program.
Where does the interaction take place?
The location is planned by the guardian and volunteer mentor. All transportation and costs for the activity is covered by the Volunteer Mentor.
Volunteer Parameters
1. Are there any special requirements regarding age, health, mobility of volunteers?
21+
a. Fingerprints: Yes
b. TB Test: No
c. Background check: Yes
d. Interview: Yes
e. Other: Reference checks, virtual trainings, 1 meeting per month with a BBBSBA Match Specialist for ongoing support.
2. Does your vetting of volunteers include:
3. Do your volunteers need to be bilingual? How helpful would it be if they were?
They do not need to be bilingual. We prioritize applications that list that they speak multiple languages
4. Is the volunteer opportunity episodic or continuous?
Continuous
5. What is the time commitment?
2-4 meetings per month, based on their schedule for 1 year
6. When does the opportunity begin and when does it end, i.e. is it tied to the academic school calendar?
Year Round
7. Do you provide training for your volunteers?
Yes, BBBS trainings, Mandated Reporter
8. Do you utilize teen volunteers? Would you if they were available?
No
How many volunteers does your organization currently utilize?
400+
How many more would you need to have full capacity?
We have 80 young people on the waitlist
Would you increase your volunteer offerings programmatically if you had more volunteers?
We would match more youth with mentors
What would you like potential volunteers to know in addition to the above?
Please visit our website for more information, for testimonial videos and to complete an application! www.bbbsba.org