We match Bigs and Littles based on a professional assessment created by our enrollment specialists. They take into consideration everything gleaned from the interview and collateral collected by both parties with the hopes that the preferences will help build a solid relationship.

We only make same gender Matches. Big Brothers are always matched to Little Brothers. Big Sisters are matched to Little Sisters and Big Couples are matched to Little Brothers.

Parents that enroll their children in the BBBS program want the very best for their children. They see the benefits of introducing another caring adult role model in the life of their child. Many say that their children’s Bigs are able to talk to them about issues that are just difficult for a parent to address. That is why parents often say introducing a Big into their child’s life has not only changed their son/daughter’s life but it’s impacted the entire family. BBBS-SMS only enrolls children who want and need the program and whose parents specifically want them to be in the program, so 100% of the children enrolled are ready and excited about being matched.

Once you are matched with your Little, your Mentoring Specialist will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Mentoring Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.

Yes, your Home Visit will serve as an in-person training and will walk you through situational scenarios to help prepare you for your Match. In addition, your Mentoring Specialist will be there every step of the way to offer customized support as your Match progresses. We also partner with several organizations that provide workshops and trainings that are beneficial to all parties.

A Big Couple is a pair of Bigs who are in a long-term relationship and want to be matched together to the same Little Brother. Big Couples do not have to be married, but must be in a long-term relationship. This a great option for couples that would prefer a shared experience as opposed to each of them having their own Little. We want our Bigs to integrate their Little into their lives and this often means your Little spending a lot of time with your family and friends. The benefit of a Big Couple is now both Bigs have the option of going out one-on-one with their Little OR all three can go on outings together. Our Big Couples love the flexibility this gives their Match.

We ask for a minimum commitment of one year for each Match we make. Matches stay in the Traditional program until the Little is in the 8th grade, at that time they transition to our ACES program where they may remain active through at least the Little’s first year of post-secondary education. That is not the end though, many of our friendships end up lasting a lifetime.

We do everything in our power to make a Match that we think will last. However, we realize that sometimes things come up, Bigs or Littles move, situations change or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work out, we will end the Match. If this happens, your Case Manager will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible.

We ask that you spend between 4 and 8 hours per month with your Little.

We ask that you have 2-4 outings per month and spend up to 8 hours per month with your Little.

This is something that is nuanced based on your personality, needs of the Little, and their age. Easy outings are going somewhere to eat, going to a park, or finding an activity related to things your Little enjoys.

Anything you like. Activities are up to each Match to schedule and participate in on their own time. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, it’s about the time. Common activities include going to get ice cream or going to a movie, playing catch or a video game, attending a sporting event or concert, hanging out at home and making dinner or running errands. We encourage Bigs to share time instead of trying to create new time. Bring your Little on activities you were already going to do. Keep it simple and focus on getting to know each other. BBBS-SMS also hosts great Match activities and parties that all Bigs/Littles are invited to. Our Bigs are also occasionally given free tickets to events that Mentoring Specialists are able to distribute to Matches.

Our agency now uses the app, Spond, to notify all participants of special events. You do not have to have the app to access the information. However, you do need an email address if you choose not to download the app. We will host special events and make you aware of community events you can attend. We will also host trainings and Match Night Out events so matches can meet and get to know each other.

Google is your friend. We also have a private Facebook Group. We are encouraging Bigs to share activities in this group.

BBBS does not pay for individual outings. We encourage Bigs to engage in no-low cost activities. Parents can choose to assist with paying if they choose to. However, we let Bigs know if they choose to take a Little to a place that requires admission fees, etc., they take that responsibility. BBBS also provides different activities such as a day at the Zoo, our annual Christmas party, and community partners provide us with tickets to events such as the Summit County Fair.

Absolutely, however, make sure to establish boundaries with parents and Littles. If you feel the contact is too much, please set limits. Also, if a parent takes away devices such as cell phones, making it difficult for your Little to reach out to you, work that out with the parent so the Little isn’t being punished by not being able to communicate with you.

Outings must remain 1-1 for the first year. If there is an activity for which you would like an exception, please speak with your Match Support Specialist for further information on why you would like to include someone else on your outing (i.e. a birthday party).

Site-based programs utilize high school students as mentors, so freshmen to seniors are eligible.

As long as we have a program at the site, yes, you can continue to be matched.

Only students that are 18 years old are required to have background checks.

We typically accept 3rd through 7th graders, depending on the sites. However, we can make exceptions for 2nd graders on a case-by-case basis.

Programs run October through the first week in May and take place at the Littles’ school. Programs run 1 to 1 ½ hours once a week, depending on the site.

Match activities take place at the site and BBBS staffed events only. There should be no other communication outside of the program.

If your match is older than 1 year, then you would need a reassessment. Other than that, no, you would not have to start the process over.