Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties
Partner Overview
Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. When children and teens have the influence of a caring adult, they are more likely to avoid risky behaviors and to focus on academics.
Service Overview
We offer two core types of donor-funded programs: Community-Based and School-Based Mentoring. And no matter when a child enters a program, there’s no limit to where he or she can go.
Community-Based Programs
BBBS of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties community or traditional mentoring program is the most popular because of the flexibility. This program requires the volunteer to go to the home of their little (men tee) and pick them up and mentor them on their own time. Volunteers meet with their “Little” freely in the community: at a playground, in the mall, over a meal, or at a museum, etc to expose them to new experiences. The minimum requirement is for the volunteer to commit to 4 hours a month and a minimum of 1 year.
Requirements:
Application form completed by parent
Interview scheduled by BBBS staff
Child and Parent interviewed at office
School-Based Program
BBBS of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties offer a SBM Plus program which is identical to the School-Based program with the additions of, provided signed Parental consent; Volunteer allowed to take the child on events/activities outside of school during summer vacations, when school resumes they will fall back into regular School Based program.
Requirements:
Referral form completed by school
Parental Consent forms signed
Child interview conducted at school
Additional consent forms signed by Parent
Parent interview