What Programs Do You Offer and How Can I Become Involved?

We are known for our Community Based Program, where volunteers from the community spend a few hours a month enriching a child's life. However, few people know that we have 2 other great opportunities to become a Big or a Little. One of those programs is the School Based Program where High School and College "Bigs" from SLO High, Nipomo High, and local colleges are matched with "Littles" from Sinsheimer and Nipomo Elementary schools. We also have a Youth Career and Exploration Mentoring Program(YCEMP) which is a great short-term mentoring opportunity for people interested in mentoring but are unable or unsure about making the year commitment for Community Based. This program allows mentors to act as a career guide and resource to the high school students throughout the program. Click the link to the perspecitve program to find out more and learn how to get invovled. Click here for enrolling a Little.

What Are Some Activities That Matches Do?

A lot of activities depend on the shared interests of each individual match. Some examples are- going to football games, watching a movie, helping their Big around the house, going to lunch, visiting a museum, and much more. Please feel free to visit our Free and Low-cost Activities page.

What Does It Cost to Be a Big?

The only cost a potential Big encounters during the enrollment process is a small fee for fingerprinting. Once you are matched, it is up to you how much you would like to spend during your time together, but we encourage Free and Low-cost Activities. There is no requirement to spend money, as there are many Free and Low-cost Activities available in SLO county. It does cost the agency $1,000 to support each match, therefore there is always the opportunity to donate and help fund a match!

What Are the Requirements to Participate in the Program?

For our volunteers we ask that they have a reliable mode of transportation. For both volunteers and parents, we require that there is a voice mail box for either a home or cell phone. This ensures reliable communication between our staff, volunteers, parents, and Littles.

Can I Mentor a Child With Special Needs?

Of course, during your interview, the Enrollment Specialist will ask you if you have any preferences for a Little. Such as working with a child who has ADD/ADHD or an abusive past. We will take your preferences into consideration when matching you.

How and when Do I Meet My Little/Big?

When our Enrollment Specialist selects a Big and a Little that she believes will make a good match, she hands it off to the Matching Specialist. That person will call both the parent and the Big and give information about the potential Little or Big. Once both parties approve, we will set up a Match Meeting, usually in our office, where our staff leads you in your introduction, the rules and guidelines will be reviewed, and your first activity will be planned.

What Happens After We Have Our Match Meeting?

After you meet each other at your match meeting, you and your Little/Big will go on your first outing which you planned at the match meeting. After that, you two are free to set up future meetings, at least two times each month. The activity ideas are up to you two, with the parent's approval of course.

What Happens if I Have a Problem?

If you have a problem, our staff is always here to assist you with your concerns. Your Match Support Specialist, who will contact you regularly, is especially available to help you figure out a solution you are comfortable with. Feel free to call any time!

What Are Some Ideas to Spice up My Match?

After a couple months, it may seem that the excitement of your match relationship is starting to decline. Don't worry, this is perfectly normal in all relationships. You are leaving the "Honeymoon Stage" and reaching the "Growth" stage of your relationship. Some ideas to spice things up are:

• Have you and your Little write down a list of things you have never tried before. Each time you meet, pick something off your list
• Try a hobby or club that interests you two such as a cooking workshop, biking club, SLO Distance Running, an art or dance class.
• Try making foods from a different country each time you meet. This is a great way to expand your palate, and also educate your Little on different cultures.
• Volunteer at a local homeless shelter, foodbank, or beach clean up. This is a wonderful way to expose your Little to new things and teach them the importance of giving.

What if the Parent or Volunteer Doesn't Return My Calls or Set up Times to Meet?

If you are finding communication is difficult you are not alone. Our parents and volunteers are very busy but this does not mean that contact can be sacrificed. One way to help ease the battle of setting up future meetings is to pre-schedule the day and time for your next meeting when the Little is dropped off. This way the phone tag will be cut down as will the difficulty of trying to find an activity later. Another way is to ask the other party for the best time to contact them, and if email or phone is best. Some of our matches have found it helpful to email or call the other party with 3 days and times they are available and then the parent picks one. If you are still having trouble with communication, feel free to call for more tips!

What Sort of Background Screenings and Information Is Gathered About the Big That Is Matched With My Child?

At BBBS, child safety is a top priority. Therefore we do extensive back ground checks on all of our mentors and staff, including reference checks, interviews, fingerprinting, and a sheriff's report. This allows us to detect any red flags which would prevent a child from being harmed.

How Do You Match a Big and a Little?

We match Bigs and Littles based on shared interests, personalities, location, and preferences. While we can not promise everything will be similar, we do our best to match based on who we believe will have a successful match.

Where Does Your Funding Come from?

Big Brothers Big Sisters receives funding from grants, businesses, personal donations, and events. Some of our events include The Big Event, The Community Support Campaign, and Bowl for Kids' Sake. We also take vehicle dontations. Donations are always appreciated to help support our agency.

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