Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota is a non-profit agency serving children between the ages of five and eighteen living in Benton, Morrison, Stearns, the northern tier of Wright & Sherburne counties. We match these children with caring volunteers who provide role modeling and support in an effort to promote the child's social, emotional and character development.

Community-Based Program:This program allows the volunteer (“Big”) to spend one-to-one time with his or her Little brother or Little Sister (“Little”) out in the community or at home. During this time, we encourage our matches to participate in activities they both enjoy. Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters are asked to spend a minimum of 2-4 hours per week with their Little and to commit to the relationship for a minimum of one full year.

School-Based Program: While participating in our school-based program, the volunteer and his or her Little spend time one-to-one at the child’s school. Activities include playing games, talking, or spending lunch time together. Our Bigs spend 1-2 hours per week with their Littles and are asked to make a minimum commitment of one year to their relationship with the expectation that they keep in touch via phone or mail over the summer months. School districts currently served include: Avon/Albany, Big Lake, Elk River, Foley, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, and St. Cloud.

Site-Based Program: In our site-based program, the volunteer spends time with his or her Little at a designated site in the community. Activities can be one-to-one or involve other matches. Activities include various sports, board/video games, and crafts. Our Bigs spend 1-2 hours per week with their Little and are asked to make a minimum commitment of one year. Current sites include Bel Clare Estates and Boys & Girls Clubs.

The assessment process for the child and parent/guardian is designed to identify the needs and abilities of a child and determine the child's motivation for participation in the program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Child must be between the ages of five and fourteen.
• Child is a permanent resident of Benton, Morrison, Stearns, the northern tier of Wright & Sherburne counties.
• Child and parent/guardian must be able to actively participate in the program for a minimum of 12 months. This includes in-person meetings and regular phone contact.
• Child must be capable and have a desire to form a relationship with a volunteer.

Matching Process:

1. After determining the child's eligibility and commitment to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program the parent/guardian must complete a Client Application and submit the completed form to the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency office.
2. An interview will be scheduled and the interview will include the parent/guardian and child being interviewed separately to determine the eligibility, needs and abilities of the child for the program.
3. After all information has been obtained and assessed the Child Enrollment Specialist will make a determination regarding the child's acceptance into the program. The parent/guardian will be notified upon the child's acceptance.
4. Upon the child's acceptance his/her name will be added to the Waiting List until an appropriate volunteer is identified.
5. The parent/guardian, child and volunteer(s) will meet for the first time with the assigned Case Manager. Everyone must approve the relationship before the match is official.

Families as Partners

• Scheduleing activities with the volunteer.  The child is expected to pay for their share of an activity.
• Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big
• Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the agency staff
• Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency on a regular basis (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)

• Share interests and ideas to help plan match activities with the volunteer(s).
• Talk with the volunteer(s), share thoughts, problems and learn together.
• Be ready on time and dressed for the activity.
• Always use manners, say please and thank you.
• Do not ask to bring friends or family along on match meetings.
• Do not expect the volunteer(s) to spend money or buy gifts.
• Follow safety rules with the volunteer(s). Ex. wear seat belt, life preservers, helmets.
• Talk with your parent/guardian and Case Manager about your match and what happens during match activities.
• Talk with the Case Manager as required throughout the match. Contact the Case Manager if there are ever any problems.

• Good customer service – via phone, email, mail and in-person consultation.
• Identification of areas of growth for the child and support of his/her progress.
• Assistance to all parties if difficulties arise in the match.
• Satisfaction surveys and program evaluations.
• Resources, referrals and a listening ear when needed.

• Understand you are committing to a friendship, not a parenting role.
• Schedule match meetings and obtain approval for activities with the parent/guardian.
• Discuss the cost of match outings with the parent/guardian regularly.
• Contact the parent/guardian as soon as possible when you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting with the child.
• Pick up and drop off the child at his/her front door.
• Never leave the child unsupervised or in the care of another adult. Do not allow others to drive the child anywhere.
• Follow safe driving rules.
• Do not use alcohol/illegal drugs prior to or during any match meeting. Do not use tobacco during any match meeting.
• Use appropriate language.
• Report any safety issues surrounding the child to the Case Manager.

Statistics:

A nationwide study conducted over an 18-month period by Public/Private Ventures confirmed the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters. This study followed 959 children between the ages of 10 and 16. Their findings demonstrate the importance of the BBBS mentoring relationship. Of the children in the study who were involved in a Big Brothers Big Sisters relationship:

• 52% were less likely to skip school
• 32% were less likely to use violence
• 46% were less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27% were less likely to use alcohol
• 36% were less likely to lie to a parent

Locally, BBBS surveys of children involved in a school-based match relationship also show dramatic results:

• 65% of teachers reported an improvement in the child's attitude toward school
• 60% of teachers reported improved academic performance
• 80% of children improved their grade in at least one subject, of those, 35% improved in three or more
• 62% of Bigs and 70% of teachers noted increases in the child's self-confidence