Frequently asked questions

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Lake Michigan Region (BBBS-SLMR) focuses on one-to-one mentoring relationships, which help children in the program build self-esteem, confidence and resilience.

The Little is a child or young adult in need of a consistent, supportive, positive friend in their life. Eligible youth are between the ages of 6 and 18. Once a child is matched, the relationship can continue until they graduate high school.

The Big is a mature, responsible volunteer who seeks to make an impact in the life of a child by providing a caring and positive friendship. There are not any occupational, religious, or educational requirements. A Big may be of any age, race, religion, sex, or marital status.

Couples can volunteer together can become a Big Couple. Families can volunteer as a Big Family. Friends can volunteer as a Big Duo.

Bigs and Littles in the Community-Based program see each other a minimum of twice a month for at least an hour at a time. The Big and Little's Legal Guardian work together to schedule a time for the match to get together. This match will commit to meet for one full year. A Site-Based match will meet once a week for a minimum of 30-45 minutes per meeting. This match will commit to meet for one full school year.

The ordinary, everyday things that are always more fun when done with a friend! The match may have an activity they like to do in common, such arts and crafts or a particular sport. They may learn something new together or just hang out and talk. Matches can also enjoy something new or out of the ordinary, such as a new hobby. The agency also offers occasional group activities. The activities the match is able to do differ depending on the program. Most importantly, matches spend quality time together, get to know each other, and offer support - like friends do!

The purpose of the agency in the relationship is to provide support and guidelines to the people involved in each match. This is done by the Match Support Specialist over the length of the match. The Match Support Specialist and other agency program staff (including Enrollment Specialist, Customer Relations Specialist, etc.) are involved in the match in many ways, including: the recruitment, interview, and overall intake of new volunteers and youth; matching Bigs and Littles; and offering resources, support, guidance, and supervision to the volunteer, youth, and parents.

There is no charge for parents and youth to be enrolled in the program.

Overall, the agency is funded by private donations, grants and fundraising activities. The agency is a not-for-profit organization and contributions are tax deductible. Participants may be asked to help with fundraising and promotional activities.

Although many activities can be low cost or even free, there is an expectation that the Big will cover the cost of the outings. The agency offers some free match events throughout the year, and will often post calendars and activities on the BBBS website with free community events. (Reasonable unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the volunteer for the Little and mileage may be tax deductible.)

Any person interested in volunteering as a Big is encouraged to fill out an application or a Volunteer Inquiry Form. The process of enrollment includes preliminary screening, a thorough background checks, pre-match training and an in-person or virtual interview. Applicants are not guaranteed acceptance into BBBS SLMR programs.  

Youth enter the program by referral from their school or social service agencies with the consent of the parent or legal guardian. The parent and child complete an enrollment process that includes an interview and understand that youth are matched as volunteers become available.

All information is treated in a confidential manner. Services are provided without regard to race, age, sex, religion, handicap, national origin, or ancestry.