Program
Community-based Mentoring
Community-based mentoring is the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters program and is open to anyone over the age of 18 years of age. They must be able to commit to meeting with a child 2-4 times per month for at least one year and must have a valid driver's license and adequate transportation with liability insurance as required by the State of Arkansas. As a volunteer they must also have a home environment that is suitable for a child.
The enrollment process of a volunteer involves completing an application, an in-person interview and orientation with a staff member, a home assessment, the following background checks: the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Human Services, FBI Background Checks through SafetyNET, and three references.
Once an interview takes place, it takes about 4-6 weeks to process all references and background checks. Because Big Brothers Big Sisters matches Bigs with Littles according to like interests and hobbies, the match process may also take some time.
Site-based Mentoring
In school-based or site-based mentoring, a caring adult is matched with a child ages 5-14. The mentor is there to be that child's special friend and role model, offering attention, support and encouragement. Matches meet at the child's school, for 30-60 minutes one day a week, during school hours (8:00-3:00). Many mentors go during their lunch hour. The expected duration of the match is one school year, September thru May. You may also continue your match from year to year.
The most important thing a mentor can do for a child is to be a friend - listen, give advice if asked, and have fun. Here are just a few of the activities that school-based matches can do together:
• Eat lunch together
• Play board games
• Talk about yourselves and your families
• Draw pictures or create crafts
• Read a book together
• Play sports outside
Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has programs in the following locations:
Fayetteville
• Owl Creek School
• Washington Elementary
• Donald W. Reynolds' Boys & Girls Club Outreach Program
Bentonville
• Mary Mae Jones Elementary
• R.E. Baker Elementary
Siloam Springs
• Northside Elementary
• Allen Elementary
• Southside Elementary
• Siloam Springs Middle School
Process
Children in our Community-based and School- based program are referred by their parent, teacher or guardian. We primarily serve children who lack the involvement and support of both parents in their home.
The interview typically takes about an hour and takes place at either the volunteer's home or place of business, or a BBBS office. During the interview, a staff member provides an orientation for the volunteer, explaining the program in greater detail, helping the volunteer to determine which program option is the best fit for them, and answering any questions the volunteer may have. The next part of the interview consists of a questionnaire designed to help us get to know the volunteer better and to determine what type of "Little" would be the best fit for them. There is also a portion of the questionnaire devoted to assessing the volunteer's home environment. At the interview, the volunteer also fills out several background check forms. The interview process may also include a follow-up interview and an in-person home visit.
BBBS staff members maintain regular contact with the parent, child, and volunteer involved in a match relationship. This allows the participants to share their match experiences, and any concerns and questions they may have with a member of the agency. It also allows for individualized volunteer training needs, addressing specific questions a volunteer may have about their mentoring experience.
Opportunities for Kids
Click on the link below to see how your child can benefit from having a Big Brother or Big Sister!
See Applications and Forms to get all the materials you will need to sign up as a Volunteer today!
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