PROCESS TO GETTING A BIG

We’re so excited you’re thinking of enrolling your child with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina serves children and teens who want and need a mentor in their lives. BBBS Salina matches Littles (ages 5-17) with Bigs in a one-to-one, life-changing friendship. Bigs and Littles hang out 2 - 4 times a month (depending on their program) for a few hours doing normal, everyday activities, like going to see a movie, playing games, going out to eat, or just hanging out!

Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist who is always there to provide resources and support specific to the Little’s age. With a Big in their life, children and teens in the BBBS Salina program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow in their self-esteem, earn better grades, and develop a lifelong friendship with their Big.

By helping children develop supportive relationships with positive role models, we make a direct and lasting impact on their lives.

SOCIAL & LIFE SKILLS

EDUCATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

FUTURE SUCCESS

By joining Big Brothers Big Sisters, you are providing another positive role model to help your child on the path to success. Together with their Big Brother or Big Sister, they will create a life-changing friendship over new activities and outings: from exploring local culture to developing new hobbies, catching up on homework or going to a movie!

By enrolling your child in Big Brothers Big Sisters, you are making a long-term investment in your child’s well-being, both today and in the future. You’re not just part of the process, you’re part of the success. As a parent, you recognize the potential of your child better than anyone. By giving them the opportunity to be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re starting them down a path to an even brighter, more promising future. The process is simple and requires application and in-person interview.

COULD YOUR LITTLE ONE USE A BIG?

It all starts with the right role models. And Big Brothers Big Sisters is the place to start a relationship with one. For years, due in large part to private donations, we’ve been able to recruit, screen, match and support mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of hundreds of young people in Salina, Kansas — one Little at a time.

YOU’LL FEEL THE IMPACT AS MUCH AS YOUR CHILD!

ENROLL YOUR CHILD

Steps:

1. Complete Application
2. Meet with us. Help us get to know your child so we can find the best match.
3. Wait For A Match. We’ll search carefully for a Big for your child. Try to be patient. It takes time to find a great match.
4. Get Matched. Learn about a potential Big and move forward if you approve the match.
5. Meet Your Child’s Big. We will introduce you and your child to your new Big. They will start spending time together and getting to know each other.

Have questions? Call 785-825-5509 and speak with one of our staff members.

how does mentoring at big brothers big sisters work?

It’s simple– Big Brothers and Big Sisters spend time with a child in need. They play, explore, talk and have fun together. As a dependable and supportive friend, Bigs offer guidance to Littles and help them navigate life’s challenges and choices.
We ask that each match participant (child, parent/guardian and volunteer) commit to at least one year of participation, with Bigs and Littles meeting 3-4 times a month.

why is mentoring important?

A mentor acts as a positive role model, providing guidance to a person in need. He or she helps someone set and reach goals, identify and pursue opportunities, develop new skills, and improve self-esteem. Big Brothers and Big Sisters volunteer as mentors to children, offering support and stability and helping them build a strong foundation for the future.

does it cost anything to get a big?

No. You don’t have to pay to be a Little Brother or Little Sister. Our program is about developing a positive relationship with a Big Brother or Big Sister and spending time together.
We encourage participation in no-cost or low-cost activities and even provide Bigs with an ongoing calendar of fun, free activities. If, on occasion, your child and their Big take part in an activity that is not free, we ask the Big to cover the total cost, but ask families to send money for the Little’s cost when possible.

what is the positive impact of having a mentor?

Research conducted for BBBS found that Little Brothers and Little Sisters are more confident, more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol, improve at school, get along better with their family and friends, avoid early parenting and feel better about themselves. Spending time with their Big helps Littles develop skills and abilities that contribute to a brighter future.

who are the children in your program and how do they get involved?

Children in our program come from many types of home environments, family structures, economic levels, ethnicities, and communities. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all share a need for friendship with a caring adult who believes in them.
Children and caregivers may hear about our program from friends, teachers, or counselors, at church, at school or through public service announcements. All children and their parents/guardians choose to be in our program.

what is your service area?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina serves all of Saline County, Kansas.

how will my child be matched with a big?

The enrollment and interview process help us get to know each other. It allows us to understand what kind of match relationship suits your child best. We consider your child’s personality, interests, background and location, but the final decision to accept or decline a match is yours.

will my child be matched right away?

Some matches take longer to make than others, depending on our enrollment levels, and your child’s specific needs.

when does my child see his or her big?

We recommend that Bigs and Littles keep a consistent schedule for outings and see each other on a regular basis. We ask that each match participant (child, parent/guardian and volunteer) commit to at least one year of participation, with Bigs and Littles meeting 3-4 times a month on a consistent schedule.

what are some examples of activities my child might do with their big?

We encourage Bigs and Littles to do things that give them something to talk about and help them get to know each other. For example, they might play a board game, go for a hike or listen to music together. We want your child to have fun with their Big Brother or Big Sister. After all, playing is learning.

what is the role of the parent/guardian in a match?

When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we’re all in this together. So it should come as no surprise that we need parents/guardians to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match.
Not only will you help us understand your child’s strengths and struggles, you’ll give final approval to the selection of your child’s Big Brother or Big Sister. Once the match is made, you will remain closely involved in many ways, including:

• Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big,
• Asking your child questions about those outings and sharing what you learn with agency staff,
• Reporting on your child’s progress and milestones achieved to the agency on a regular basis (BBBS will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)
• Participating in training on child safety offered by BBBS staff and communicating with your child about the training you receive.
  

how do you ensure child safety in a match?

Before we even begin the matching process, Big Brothers and Big Sisters’ National Standards of Excellence require that we screen each potential volunteer. This screening includes:

• A formal, written application
• A background and reference check
• An in-person interview
• An orientation and training process that outlines the individualized needs of each child and provides information and resources on how to encourage positive youth development
• Provision of child safety tips to you, your child and family.

To ensure a safe match relationship, it is essential to maintain ongoing and open communication between our professional staff, Bigs, Littles, and parents/guardians. Healthy communication is the best way to address any questions or feedback participants may have.

what kind of support can i expect from bbbs once my child is matched?

Throughout the entire mentoring relationship, a Match Support Specialist from Big Brothers Big Sisters remains in regular contact with you. They are there to answer questions, provide assistance, offer ideas for activities, give feedback, help you handle difficult situations and offer support in any way they can.

what if it doesn't work out?

We do everything in our power to make matches that last. However, we realize that sometimes situations change or thing don’t work out. If this happens we’ll try to mediate and resolve the problem first, but if mediation is unsuccessful we will end the match. Your Match Support Specialist will support you and your child every step of the way, working toward the best possible outcome for everyone.

can a match last longer than one year?

Although we ask for a minimum commitment of one year, matches in our program can continue until your child turns 18 and/or graduates high school.