Mentor

Our no-cost to families mentoring programs strive to reach young people who are facing 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 Caseworker who provides support to 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 essence of Big Brothers Big Sisters programs  – providing the relationships that young people need to succeed and realize their full potential! 

Below is a list of mentoring opportunities that we offer:

COMMUNITY-BASED 1:1 PROGRAMS
These mentoring programs (for example Big Brother, Big Sister) occur in the community setting and provide children and youth ages 6-18 years old (mentee) with an additional, caring and consistent adult (ages 18 +) role model (mentor) to talk and share the experiences of growing up with. We ask for a one year commitment.

IN-SCHOOL MENTORING
The In-School Mentoring (ISM) program matches children and youth (in grades 1-8), identified as needing additional support, with Mentors who act as a role model and friend. Mentors meet with their Mentee at their school and engage in activities such as board games, crafts, sports, cooking and more! Visits occur in local DSBN and NCDSB schools for one hour one day a week (Monday to Friday) during school hours. We ask for a commitment of one school year (September to June).

BIG FOR A DAY
Sometimes, Big Brothers Big Sisters is not able to match children and youth with a one-to-one mentor immediately. These children and youth are assigned to the “waiting list” until a suitable mentor is found.  Occurring on a bi-monthly basis, these events and opportunities are planned in order to provide meaningful engagement, a sense of belonging and involvement while our clients wait for their 1:1 Mentor. Big For A Day volunteers bring clients to these staff-led activities, and volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 4 outings per year.

YOUNG PARENT MENTORING PROGRAM (YPMP) 
Matches young parents, aged 25 and under, with a caring mentor for bi-weekly social engagement and mentoring. The program is founded on the premise that a happier, healthier young parent will lead to better educational, social, and emotional outcomes for not only themselves, but for their child as well. Requires a one year commitment.

GO GIRLS! HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS!
Go Girls! is a group mentoring program for female-identifying students ages 11-14 (grades 5-8) that focuses on physical activity, balanced eating and self-esteem.  The program is held over a 7-10 week period in local schools and community partner settings for 1 to 1 1/2 hours each week.  Additional goals for the program include healthy lifestyles, goal setting, risk management, friendship building and emotional wellbeing. Volunteers for this program are typically college and university students. *Youth Counselors, Social Workers, LRT/ERT’s or Principals typically register

GAME ON! EAT SMART, PLAY SMART!
Game On! is a group mentoring program for male-identifying students ages 12-14 (grades 6-8) that provides participants 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 encourage the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles.  The program is held over a 7-10 week period in local schools and community partner settings for 1 to 1 1/2 hours each week. Volunteers for this program are typically college and university students. *Youth Counselors, Social Workers, LRT/ERT’s or Principals typically register

POWER UP & PLAY
Power Up & Play! Is a group-based mentoring program and open to all youth from all genders. This program focuses on achieving health bodies and healthy minds.
The program objectives teach youth Grades 4-5 about living an active lifestyle, practicing healthy eating habits, and possessing a positive self-image. The program runs in DSBN and NCDSB schools and is held for 7-10 week for 1 to 1 1/2 hours each week. Volunteers for this program are typically college and university students. *Youth Counselors, Social Workers, LRT/ERT’s or Principals typically register