GET A BIG

Arm your child with another awesome adult. Life is hard — we all experience ups and downs, and we know the more people you have in your corner, the better. We’d love the opportunity to provide your child with another positive, adult role model to help them ignite their own potential.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Please ensure you meet the following requirements before enrolling your child.

  1. Your child is between 7-14 years old.

  2. Your child lives in St. Joseph or the surrounding area.

  3. Your child is verbal.

  4. Your child is interested in the program.

  5. You are the child’s legal guardian.

*Once you have competed the entire enrollment process, your child will go on the waiting list. We will match them when we have a volunteer who staff deems a suitable mentor for your child.

  1. Contact BBBS Staff

Submit your info and a BBBS team member will be in touch to schedule your orientation!

MORE INFO

2. Application

Complete and return the application forms provided by BBBS staff.

PRINT FORM

3. In-Home Interview

A BBBS staff member will conduct an in-home interview to get to know each child personally.

4. Ready to be Matched

BBBS staff work to find the best match for the child based on their personality, needs & location.

5. Meet Big & Build a Relationship

Now the fun begins! Guardians and Littles work with the Big to communicate and schedule outings.

6. Communicate with BBBS

Families will receive support from our expert Match Support Specialists throughout the match.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters St. Joseph serves children and teens who want and need a mentor in their lives. BBBS St. Joe matches Littles ages 7-14 with Bigs in a one-to-one, life-changing friendship. Bigs and Littles hang out 3-4 times a month for a few hours doing normal, everyday activities, like going to see a movie, playing games, going out to eat, or just hanging out!

Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist who is always there to provide resources and support specific to the Little’s age. With a Big in their life, children and teens in the BBBS St. Joe program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow in their self-esteem, earn better grades, and develop a lifelong friendship with their Big.

Image of a big and little sister drinking coffee on a sidewalk.

OUR FUTURE IS BIG

SIGN UP

 

YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

  • Bigs are at least 19 years old and want to make a difference in the life of a child. These mentors are friends, role models, advocates and someone to stand with children as they realize their full potential.

  • Child safety, match consistency and positive outcomes are our top priority. The application process includes: application, confirmation of identity via social security number and drivers license, criminal history background check, driving record check, auto insurance verification, personal/family references, an extensive online interview, an in-home assessment, and ongoing volunteer training and support.

  • The role of a family is very important: supporting the friendship, encouraging communication, developing your own relationship with the Big and being responsive to BBBS staff once your child is matched are all essential.

  • Our team will learn more about both the Big and the Little at the in-home interview and that will help us prepare for the matching process. Matches are made based on many factors. Our professional enrollment and matching team looks for Bigs that they think will be a good fit based on where they live, personality and interests, life experiences, academic and career interests, etc.

  • That’s when the fun begins! Matches meet 3-4 times a month and stay in touch in between. Bigs and Littles choose when they hang out together and what they do (with parent permission, of course). You and your child will have a dedicated professional staff member throughout your child's Match that will monitor the Match and offer resources for you and your family.

  • Matches can remain active with BBBS until your child graduates high school. We support a variety of paths based on your child’s potential including: college, trade school, vocational training, enlistment, internship, and job placements.

  • The BBBS program is free of charge to families and Bigs.