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Big Brothers Big Sisters ProgramsBe Big... or be LittleA "Big" is an adult or teen volunteer mentor. Bigs get together with a child regularly to have fun and build a friendship. Becoming a Big is a process of meeting with an agency staff member to apply. The application process includes an interview, reference checks, national record checks (for mentors over 18 years of age), and a driving record check to be sure we are providing a good friend to our kids. A "Little" is any child ages 6-14 who would like to have a Big Brother or Big Sister. Children may stay matched until they are 18 years old. The child's parent or guardian must call the office to make an appointment to meet with agency staff to discuss the child's interests and what kind of Big the parent would like. The child is then considered "Ready To Be Matched." Agency staff will contact the parent or guardian to arrange a match meeting when the best Big Brother or Sister for their child is found. Community Programs Bigs in our Community Program are drivers, age 18 and up. A Big and Little in a community match meet a few times a month for an activity of their choice, with parental approval. Meeting times are arranged between the Big and Little and the Little's parent or guardian. Activities can range from taking a walk, getting ice cream, playing a game, and helping with homework, to going to sports events, seeing a movie, visiting museums, cooking, and doing new things together. The goal is friendship and fun. Fort Ann Central School, Granville Central School, Argyle Central School and Hudson Falls Central School currently host school-based mentoring programs with Big Brothers Big Sisters. (More are in the works!) Bigs (ages 14 and up) meet with their Littles once a week at the Little's school for games or projects or time to talk about their week. Bigs and Littles are enrolled and Bigs are trained at school by our School-Based Case Manager and a school staff liaison. The hour-long meetings are arranged to fit the school schedule. School-based matches do not get together outside of school, but are encouraged to keep in touch by phone or in writing between meetings and over the summer months. School Administrators: Please call to learn how children in your district can benefit from a Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based program. To contact Big Brothers Big Sisters for more information or to inquire about enrolling
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