Big Brothers Big Sisters has no stipulation on the children who enroll in our programs.  Whether they come from a two parent household, single parent household, grandparents, etc. they are welcome to our program. Children who are struggling with academics, peer relations, socialization skills, or just need some one-on-one time could benefit from connecting with a mentor.

COMMUNITY BASED MENTORING

Our program matches children between the ages of 5 and above with caring adult role-models. Bigs and Littles meet in the community to do things they enjoy, 3-4 times a month for a minimum of one year. As the relationship grows and strengthens, it offers much more than emotional support to children in challenging circumstances. Mentorship also gives Littles the chance to enjoy new experiences, discover new interests, develop new skills and abilities, and gain a greater appreciation for their own potential. Bigs help Littles envision hopeful possibilities for their future and develop the confidence and sense of self-empowerment they need to pursue them.

All community based matches spend a minimum of 4 hours a month together doing anything that interests them.  Each match is assigned a BBBS Case Manager who will reach out once a month to the Big, Little, and Parent/Guardian to help identify areas of growth, inform the match of events, and to be there for any questions that arise during the match.

Types of CB matches includes:

• One-on-One Match – 1 Big to 1 Little
• Couples Match – 2 Bigs to 1 Little
• Family Match – 1 Family (Bigs) to 1 Little

Our Matches Enjoy:

• Getting ice cream
• Going to the movies
• Playing at the parks
• Hiking at Coronado Heights
• Going bowling
• Playing arcade games
• Doing arts & crafts
• Seeing a local play
  

• Going to the YMCA
  
• Volunteering at the food bank
  
• Going to the Rolling Hills Zoo
  
• Playing various sports
  
• Going to Sky Trampoline Park
  
• Getting their nails done
  
• Playing board games
  

• Baking and Cooking together
  
• Working on school work
  
• Visiting the Salina Public Library
  
• Attending community events
  
• Taking yoga classes
  
• Going out to dinner
  
• Visiting the Smoky Hill Museum
  

SCHOOL BASED MENTORING AT USD 306 & 307

Southeast of Saline Program
Bigs: 9th-12th Grade   Littles: 2nd-6th Grade

Bigs & Littles, who attend Southeast of Saline, meet once a week.  During this time, Bigs can visit the Littles in the classroom, attend recess, and eat lunch with their Littles.  SES Bigs do have a month meeting to participate in trainings, talk about Big/Little events, and allows Bigs to ask questions from their peers and BBBS Case Manager.  BBBS Case Manager is assigned to each match to answer any questions and to help identify areas of growth in the Little. 

Ell-Saline Program
Bigs: 9th-12th Grade   Littles: 2nd-6th Grade

Bigs & Littles, who attend Ell-Saline schools, meet twice a month for 1 hour each time. During there time together, Bigs help Littles with their school work, play games, and build that one-on-one connection.  USD 307 does shuttle Bigs to and from the Elementary School for meetings.  Each match is assigned a BBBS Case Manager to contact with any questions and also helps identify areas of growth for the Little.

BIGS IN BLUE

This program connects youth with law enforcement in our community. They build strong, trusting, long lasting relationships.  These relationships help children develop into confident adults and build a stronger bond between law enforcement and the families they serve.  Bigs can visit the Littles at school, bring them to BBBS activities, and do things in the community together.

REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A BIG

Requirements: Bigs must be 18+ with a valid drivers license, be able to commit a minimum of 4 hours a month to there Little, and stay with their Little for a minimum of 1 year, but most tend to last for years.

To BECOME A BIG it starts with submitting an Inquiry/Application. From there the BBBS Enrollment Specialists will be in contact with you to set up an orientation/interview. From there they run background checks and calls your references.  Once accepted to become a Big, it is time to pick a Little. Our team gets to know you and your interests and finds the best possible match for you.  Once a Big and Little are assigned, we host a Match Meeting where Big, Little, and Parent/Guardian are introduced. From there it is completely up to the Match to decide what activities they would like to do together. 

Requirements For Being A Big:
To be a Big, you must be 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, access to reliable transportation and be willing to commit to a minimum one year volunteer experience.

• Complete forms and surveys needed by program staff, including a background check.
  
• Interview with an Enrollment Specialist.
  
• Attend pre-match training.
  
• Work with a Case Manager to find a Little Brother or Little Sister.
  

• Initiate contact with your Little on a consistent basis to schedule activities.
  
• Meet with your Little 3-4 times a month for at least one year.
  
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff.
  

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLING YOUR LITTLE

There are no requirements and no cost to enroll you child in any of our programs. 

To ENROLL YOUR LITTLE you start with submitting an Inquiry/Application. From there the BBBS Enrollment Specialists will be in contact with you to set up an interview with you (parent/guardian) and the child. Once the interview is completed, the child will be placed on our wait list, where they wait for the perfect Big to come along.  While on the wait list, the Littles are more than welcome to come to all of our BBBS events with a parent/guardian.