Become A "Big"
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, it is about "Little Moments bringing Big Magic into a child's life." Think back in your own life, was there a special person, other than your parents, who provided a little magic in you life? Maybe it was an uncle who took you to your first baseball game, or maybe a neighbor who taught you how to fix your bike, or maybe it was your older cousin who gave you the confidence to jump off the high dive. That is the kind of magical relationship you will have when you become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
Every child deserves to have a person that they can count on to be there during their success and struggles ... someone who will take the time to listen, to help develop a positive self-image and a sense of well-being as well as provide some fun and encouragement. For many, that special someone is a Big Brother or Big Sister.
During the process to become a Big, you will be taken through the steps of what being a Big is all about. Volunteers do not need any special skills or experience with kids, just the willingness to commit some time each week to their Little and complete the entire intake process. The process includes attending an orientation, completing an application, attending a personal interview, providing references and giving permission for a background check. For community volunteers, there is also a home visit to make sure the home is safe and appropriate for a child. After acceptance, the volunteer goes on a Waiting Bigs list while the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff searches for the right Little Brother or Little Sister to ensure that the best possible match is made for both the Big and the Little.
It's really quite simple: have fun together doing things you both enjoy each week and, along the way, you'll be providing friendship, guidance and a positive influence in the life of a child.
Contact Karen at 815.758.8616 to schedule an orientation.
Complete the forms listed below and bring them to your scheduled orientation.
Enroll Your Child
Every child deserves to have a person that they can count on to be there during their success and struggles ... someone who will take the time to listen, to help develop a positive self-image and a sense of well-being as well as provide some fun and encouragement. For many, that special someone is a Big Brother or Big Sister.
School ages children (5-14 years) living in DeKalb County, who will benefit from having a positive role model, are eligible to enroll in Big Brothers Big Sisters. The parent, the child and the volunteer must:
- Agree to the service
- Agree to stay in the program for at least one (1) year
- Agree that the child will be available a consistent amount of time to meet each week with the volunteer.
In the Community Based programs, the Big Brother or Big Sister spends a consistent amount of tmie (3-5 hours) each week for at least one calendar year with the Little Brother or Littlwe Sister to do activities that they both enjoy. Since the Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers are positive role models, a well-developed and trusted relationship with a 'Big' can boost a child's self-confidence, school grades and social interactions.
Once a child has been accepted into the Community Based program, he or she will onto the ready-to-be-matched, Waiting Littles list and the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will search for the right Big Brother or Big Sister. The parent is contacted as soon as a Big volunteer is found to be suitable for a match.
For information about enrolling your child in the Community Based program or to schedule an orientation, please contact Karen at 815.758.8616.
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