Community-Based Mentoring
Spending time together out in the local community is primarily how Bigs and Littles develop their relationship. After all, to change a child’s perspective of the world, it helps to spend some time out in it.
Community-Based Mentoring
Spending time together out in the local community is primarily how Bigs and Littles develop their relationship. After all, to change a child’s perspective of the world, it helps to spend some time out in it.
"KEKE AND I CONTINUE TO LEARN AND GROW WITH AND FROM ONE ANOTHER. I CAN TRULY SAY IT’S ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING AND FULFILLING PARTS OF MY LIFE." Big – Amber
Community-based program matches children 9 years or older who desire a match with a Big Brother or Big Sister. Mentors are expected to commit to meet with their mentee for a minimum of one year. Throughout the mentoring relationship, BBBSC program staff monitor the matches and provide support to mentors. Typically, mentees and mentors meet two to four times each month for two to four hours each time. The mentoring relationship is designed to provide a sense of safety and security, emotional support, build social skills, set goals, build positive relationships, improve self-confidence, academic achievement, and future aspirations.
Operation Mentor focuses on providing mentors for children in military families. Operation Mentor was specifically designed to serve the military community in Colorado Springs. This program matches military children ages 9-16 with a volunteer mentor to provide the child with guidance, support, and encouragement. This program operates in the same manner as our Community-based program, offering matches the freedom and autonomy to choose their own activities.
ROLE MODELS MAKE AN IMPACT
Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol. Students who are successful in school are less likely to drop out, abuse drugs, or commit crimes.