Enroll a Child
As a parent, you recognize the potential of your child better than anyone. By giving your child the opportunity to be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re starting them down a path to an even brighter, more promising future.
COULD YOUR LITTLE USE A BIG?
It all starts with the right role models. And Big Brothers Big Sisters is the place to start a relationship with one. For over 100 years, due in large part to private donations, we’ve been able to recruit, screen, match, and support mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people across the country.
PARENTS
You know what’s best for your child. So we’ll need your help from the start, providing information about your child’s strengths and needs, and ultimately approving the Big Brother or Big Sister match. But your role doesn’t end there.
ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Eligibility.
To be eligible, Littles must be 6-16 years old and live in our service area: Charlottesville City, Albemarle, Nelson, and Fluvanna Counties.
Complete the Youth Enrollment Form.
Attend a Parent Orientation.
Learn more about the program and our child safety measures. A parent or guardian is required to attend an orientation prior to their child’s enrollment. Enrollment Staff will contact you after your application is submitted to schedule the orientation.
Interview with BBBS.
A parent or guardian and their child will complete interviews with BBBS staff. These conversations help us get to know your child and identify the volunteer mentor who will be the best match. Enrollment Staff will reach out to schedule a time that works for you and your child. Interviews take place virtually, at our office, or in the child’s primary residence.
It’s Match Time!
Once the steps above are completed, your child will be placed on our waitlist while we work to identify a volunteer mentor who is an appropriate fit. When a potential Big has been identified, Enrollment Staff will contact you to discuss the match. If both you and your child agree, we’ll schedule a Match Meeting at our office so everyone can meet and officially begin the mentoring relationship.
YOU’LL FEEL THE IMPACT AS MUCH AS YOUR CHILD.
A study for Big Brothers Big Sisters found that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
✓ are more confident
✓ are more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol
✓ do better in school
✓ get along better with their family and friends
✓ feel better about themselves*
*Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., and Resch, N.L. (1995) Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Philadelphia: Public/Private Ventures