ENROLL A LITTLE
It all starts with the right role models. And Big Brothers Big Sisters is the place to start a relationship with one. For over 50 years, we’ve been able to recruit, screen, match and support mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of thousands of area children — one Little at a time.
ELIGIBILITY - Who we serve:
Big Brothers and Big Sisters provide caring and consistent support to more than 130 local children a year who need extra someone.
They do this with the support and guidance of our highly trained staff. Children in the BBBS program:​
Live in our service area –
City of Fredericksburg,
and the Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George or Caroline.​
Are between the ages of 6-13 at the time of enrollment.​
Want to spend time with a Big Brother or Big Sister​.
Agree to a minimum of a one-year time commitment.
It all starts with the right role model...
... and Big Brothers Big Sisters is the place to start a relationship with one.
For over 50 years, we’ve been able to recruit, screen, match and support mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of thousands of area children — one Little at a time.
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Our mentorship program has no fee and is ready to help your child ignite their potential.
A study for Big Brothers Big Sisters found that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
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are more confident
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are more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol
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do better in school
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get along better with their family and friends
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feel better about themselves
You'll be impacted just as much as your child...
You know what’s best for your child. So we’ll need your help from the start, providing information about your child’s strengths and needs, and ultimately approving the selection of the Big Brother or Big Sister mentor. But your role doesn’t end there. Parents and guardians are not just part of the process, they’re part of the success. So it should come as no surprise that we need the parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match. Once the match is made, you remain closely involved in many ways, including:
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Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big
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Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the staff
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Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the affiliate on a regular basis (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)
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Participating in training on child safety offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, and communicating with your child about the training he or she receives.
We don't just serve families...
We PARTNER with families
Child Safety Measures Are Top Priority at BBBS
Your child's safety is extremely important to us.
Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained Match Advocate.
Making the best possible match between a Little and Big is critical to the growth and development of a child. Before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential Bigs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Practice require each volunteer to complete an extensive screening process that includes:
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Completion of a formal written application
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Background and reference checks
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An in-person interview
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An orientation and training process that outlines the individualized needs of your child and provides information and resources on how to encourage your child's development
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Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child's Big. It’s the best way to build a strong relationship that will have the greatest impact on your child’s future success.
