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 get this question often, and unfortunately, this is one we cannot answer because there are numerous factors that go into making a match. It can take anywhere from a couple of months from going on the waitlist to longer than a year. Please know we try to consider how long a child is on the waitlist when making matches, but if a Big doesn’t match preferences, we would not feel comfortable making that match.

You should be active in your child’s match. You should be in regular contact with the Big to communicate procedures for picking up, dropping off Little. Discuss boundaries for how often they can talk/text between outings. Discuss with your child how the outing went and if they felt safe and comfortable with their Big. You play an important role in ensuring the match goes well.

We ask Bigs 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 Bigs spend between 4 and 8 hours per month with their Littles.

We ask that Bigs & Littles have 2-4 outings per month and spend up to 8 hours per month together.

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 your Big. 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 the Little to reach out to their Big, we ask that parents and Bigs work that out so the Little isn’t being punished by not being able to communicate their Big.

Outings must remain 1-1 for the first year. Bigs must contact their Match Support Specialist if they wish to request an exception to this policy and to include someone else in the outing (i.e. a birthday party).

Anyone can refer a Little to the program. Primarily a teacher or counselor will recommend a student to the program for multiple reasons that aren’t necessarily academic. They could use another caring person in their lives to listen to them and help them with other aspects of their lives. Parents can also request their child participate as well.

No, all of our programs are supported through grants and fundraisers.

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.