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Site-Based Mentoring provides a structured environment where mentors and mentees meet regularly at a designated location, such as the Little’s school, a local community center, or another approved site. This program framework is designed to create a consistent and supportive space where mentors can help with homework, play games, or participate in organized activities. By meeting in a familiar, safe setting, the focus is on building trust, improving academic performance, and developing interpersonal skills. The structured nature of Site-Based Mentoring allows for focused interactions that cater to the Little’s developmental needs while providing a reliable presence in their lives.

If you are interested in becoming a Site Based Big:

Before applying, ask yourself if you can:

·       Meet consistently with your Little for at least a half hour every week.

·       Commit to being a Big to your Little for at least one full school year.

·       Meet your Little during lunch time or directly after school hours.

·       Maintain contact with BBBS each month.

·       Have your own reliable transportation for meeting with your Little.

Current Site Based locations:

Indiana: South Bend (Coquillard Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Edison Middle School, Charles Black Community Center), Elkhart (Boys and Girls Clubs of Elkhart County: Beardsley Elementary & Teen Club at Freshman Division),Goshen (Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County: Goshen Location).

Michigan: Niles (Ballard Elementary), Benton Harbor (Countryside Academy)

For more information, click on the pic! 

High School Bigs is a Site-Based mentoring initiative designed to create meaningful connections between high school students and elementary or middle school children. This program pairs High School Bigs with Littles to offer a structured, supportive environment where both can thrive.

For the High School Bigs, this program provides an invaluable opportunity to develop essential leadership skills and deepen their engagement with the community. By taking on the role of a mentor, they gain experience in guiding and supporting younger students, which helps to enhance their own personal growth and sense of responsibility.

For the Littles, the High School Bigs serve as positive role models, offering inspiration and guidance in a structured, safe setting. The program fosters a nurturing relationship that helps Littles build confidence, improve academic performance, and develop a stronger sense of self.

High School Bigs enriches the lives of both mentors and mentees.

Current High School Bigs locations:

Indiana :Elkhart (Tolson Center for Community Excellence)

Michigan: Benton Harbor (Countryside Academy)

*If you are a high school student and interested in mentoring a Little, be sure to have your parent present at the time you fill out the application.

For more information, click on the pic! 

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Community-Based Mentoring is a flexible and engaging framework where mentors and mentees explore and enjoy activities throughout the community. This type of mentoring emphasizes building a strong, lasting relationship through shared experiences. Mentors and their Littles have the freedom to choose activities that interest them, such as visiting parks, attending local events, exploring museums, or simply spending time together at a café. The goal is to foster a deep connection by engaging in fun, meaningful experiences within the broader community, which helps develop the Little’s social skills, confidence, and interests.

Site Based Plus Mentoring has all the same requirements and flexibility of the Community Based program with the additional opportunity for mentors to spend time with their Little at the Little's school or a community center they attend.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Based or Site Based Plus Big...

Before applying, ask yourself if you can:

·      Meet consistently with your Little for at least an hour twice a month.

·      Commit to being a Big to your Little for at least 12 months. The greatest impacts are made when a child has been matched with their mentor for at least a year.

·      Dedicate the time you carve out of your schedule for outings to be just for you and your Little. One-on-one time is essential to helping your Little achieve their full potential.

·      Maintain contact with BBBS each month. We will be there to support your match relationship and answer your questions, offer advice, to help you and your Little have a safe and fun relationship, and to share match activity ideas.

·      Have your own reliable transportation for meeting with your Little.

For more information, click on the pic! 

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Bigs With Badges aims to foster connections between youth and law enforcement officers through one-on-one mentoring. By pairing officers with young people, this program supports children in reaching their full potential, enhances mutual understanding, and helps bridge gaps within our community. Big Brothers Big Sisters is dedicated to addressing the increasing tension between youth and law enforcement, striving to reduce violence and promote harmony. This program is offered in all BBBS program models.

Current Bigs with Badges locations:

Indiana: South Bend (Edison Middle School)

Michigan: Niles (Ballard Elementary)

For more information, click on the pic! 

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