Who are we and what do we do?
Big Brothers -Big Sisters is a youth-serving organization that "matches" an adult volunteer with a school-aged child or youth. "Matches" spend time together doing what friends do..like talking, playing ball in the park, watching movies or just hanging out.
There are over 950,000 boys and girls in Canada who live with one parent. Not all of them need or want another adult in their lives, but very many do. These are the children we serve. Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada has developed to a point where today there are 180 agencies across the country. Most of them are joint Big Brother/Big Sister agencies, delivering programs for boys and girls.
Each agency has a Board of Directors made up of a cross-section of members of the community. These Boards employ staff, including social workers, who carry on the day to day casework of the agencies.
Who are the volunteers?
Do you remember someone who made you feel special when you were growing up? Those are our volunteers. They are people, like you, who share a little time with a young person; encouraging them and making them feel special. Volunteer Mentors come from all walks of life and are all ages.
Who are Little Brothers and Sisters?
Little Brothers and Sisters are school aged kids growing up primarily in a one-parent family. To be in the program the boy or girl must want a Big Brother or Sister as a friend. The parent of the Little Brother or Sister must want the friendship for the child too. (A Big Brother or Sister is affectionately known in our organization as a "Big" and the young friend, a "Little".)
What are the benefits?
Kids who have a "mentor" feel better about themselves, generally do better in school, are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol and get along better with their peers. But you may be surprised at how much you'll enjoy the friendship. You'll help a child, feel better about yourself and build your resume. Those are good things! Recent research also shows that people who volunteer as Bigs are happier and more productive people.
Are their children "waiting"?
There sure are! Every agency has a long waiting list of kids...and that just isn't fair. Some kids have been waiting for over a year. Some, regrettably, never get matched.
How can you volunteer?
You can brighten a child's life (and yours), share a little magic and create some memories. It's simple. Just pick up the phone and call us at 902-895-4562.
How will we know who to match you with?
Our goal is a "good match" that meets the child's needs at the same time paying careful attention to the expectations of the volunteer. That is why we take great care in getting to know potential Big Brothers and Big Sisters. All prospective volunteers are carefully interviewed, and a thorough assessment is completed to ensure that they are reliable, caring adults. We get to know the child and the volunteer, carefully noting likes, dislikes, temperament, interest, age and personality, then match accordingly. The achievement of a good match is most important and is a matter of great pride among our staff.
What's the Volunteer Screening Process?
The Volunteer Screening Process is our way of ensuring that each applicant will make a suitable role model for a child. We adhere to a set of Service Delivery Standards which include:
- An orientation / information session
- An application process
- A background check / character references
- Police clearance
- Clearance through the Child Abuse Register
- An assessment interview and
- Participation in an abuse prevention program
The process takes about a month to complete but we think you'll feel good knowing that you will belong to an organization whose primary concern is the well-being of the children we serve.
What happens after a match is made?
After the Big and Little meet, it is the responsibility of the "Big" to make arrangements for regular "outings". The caseworker stays in touch to provide any needed support in establishing their friendship. Your caseworker will help in any way possible to ensure that a match is successful. As well, most agencies arrange organized activities, such as skating parties or movie nights, for those who wish to participate.
Can I involve my partner or family in the match?
While the relationship between a Big and a Little is primarily one to one, it is fine to plan family outings on occasion. Actually, for those who want to volunteer together with their partner, our agency offers a Couples Match where a couple can be matched together with one child.
Do Bigs assume any legal or financial obligations?
Volunteers are expected to be responsible and careful when sharing activities with their "littles" so that potentially dangerous or harmful situations are avoided. Some incidental costs may be incurred on an outing, but volunteers are encouraged not to spend a lot of money on the child.
How do we measure our success?
Our focus is on the healthy development of children and youth. Success is sometimes as simple as seeing a smile that was not there before. A 1994 study to determine the long-term impact of our work with Little Brothers & Sisters showed that compared to children without a "Big"; matched Little Brothers and Sisters:
- have higher self esteem
- have improved grades
- stay in school longer
- are more employable as adults
- are half as likely to use drugs
- are better socially adjusted and
- are far less likely to become involved with the law
Sources: Project Impact: Public and Private Ventures
Check out all of "Our programs" to find the one that is right for you.
E-mail us @ colchesterkids.ca for more information or to apply to become a Big today.