Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring
As a collective movement, the Big Brothers Big Sisters mission is to enable mentoring relationships that ignite the power and potential of young people. Whether through one-to-one mentoring, in-school mentoring or one of the inspiring group mentorship opportunities, BBBS agencies across Canada commitment to the development of young people remains steadfast.
Our no-cost mentoring programs strive to reach young people who face adversity and are in need of an additional supportive relationship. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies formally match young people with an adult volunteer Mentor.
Mentors are professionally trained and supported to ignite the unique power and potential of each Mentee. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides every match with access to a professional caseworker who provides support to both the Mentee, Mentor and family.
Current research suggests that young people are more likely to flourish when they are embedded in a web of relationships with supportive, caring adults. This is the essences of Big Brothers Big Sisters programs; providing the relationships that young people need to succeed.
Community-Based 1:1 Mentoring
Mentees and Mentors explore and enjoy their local community together. Spending approximately 6-8 hours a month together, matches choose their own schedule, activities, events, or community resources to explore.
Matches share interests and discover new ones together in their local community. Every match has access to consistent support from a BBBS professional caseworker staff who helps them stay safe, stay committed and reach individual milestones and goals.
The “Big G” demographic – individuals who are 55 years of age or older – present a wealth of knowledge and experience, making them the perfect group of people to engage in any of the mentorship programs available at Big Brothers Big Sisters. Across our Network, there are a variety of opportunities for Big Gs. Please search your local Big Brother Big Sister agency for specific opportunities.
Site-Based 1:1 Mentoring
Mentees and Mentors meet weekly at a specific location, such as a school. Matches commit to a schedule and set goals to achieve together. Every match has access to a professional BBBS caseworker who supports the overall success of the match and the program. Length of program may vary, and Mentors may receive specialized training to mentor within a particular site-based program.
Site-Based Group Mentoring
Game On! is a group mentoring program for providing boys and young men with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through non-traditional physical activities, complemented with healthy eating support, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles.
Game On! includes seven 75-minute core sessions. There are also four extension modules that capture potential issues and topics specific to various locales and the interests of the mentors and participants.
Game On! Eat Smart, Play Smart!
Go Girls! is a group mentoring program for girls ages 12-14 that focuses on physical activity, balanced eating, and self-esteem. The single, most important goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of young women and girls by helping them build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach their full potential in life.
The Go Girls! program consists of seven mentoring sessions, held over a 7-10 week period, within school facilities. Each 1.5-2 hour-long session is loosely structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.
Go Girls! Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds!
Within the core programs listed above we have national and local innovations to help meet community needs, engage waitlist mentees, and to assist in furthering our understanding of the deep impact of mentoring.