Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who can be a Big Brother or Big Sister?
A. Any caring person, high school-aged or older, who wants to help a child face life's challenges and show them the fun in learning, talking and listening. Anyone who has a warm memory of someone helping them in their childhood; a person who can just be a friend. Professional staff members train and guide the volunteer.

Q. What difference do volunteers make?
A. A 1995 study by research firm Public/Private Ventures showed that children with Big Brother Big Sister mentors were:
46% less likely to start using drugs
27% less likely to start drinking
52% less likely to skip a day of school
37% less likely to skip a class
33% less likely to hit someone.

Q. What does a mentor do?
A. A mentor is not a babysitter or a substitute parent. As a school-based mentor you talk, read, and work together on homework. Community mentors pick their charges up from home and spend time together doing community activities such as taking walks on the beach, going to the movies, fishing, going to the library, etc. Teen mentors don't transport their Littles, but community-based adult mentors may do so.

Q. How much time will it take?
A. Volunteer opportunities can take place during or after school hours, in the evening, or on weekends - giving kids undivided attention, having fun together, listening, talking, and sharing the magical moments of friendship. 

Q. How do I get started?
A.  It's easy to get started as a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer!  Just click on the "Contact Us" button in yellow on the left side bar of any page on this website.  This will take you to our volunteer application form, located on our secure server. Once you complete the application, hit "Send" and it will be sent to our Intake Specialist. He will review your information and contact you to set up an interview. It's that easy!!! What are you waiting for?