The enrollment and interview process helps us to get to know your preferences, as well as the situation best suited for you. It also helps you get to know us and the program expectations. Your Match Coordinator takes into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location. But the final decision is yours.

Kids and parents may hear about BBBS from a teacher, counselor, church, friend, commercials, etc. All kids and their parents choose to be in our program.

Learn more about enrolling a child

Our Littles come from many types of home environments and family structures, different social-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and neighborhoods and schools across all communities. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all have the need for a caring adult mentor.

Good news! If you can commit at least 2-3 times per month, you have the time to change the life of a child. We ask for a minimum commitment of one year. However, many matches last much longer!

Our Bigs and Littles decide together what they want to do, and then they get parent approval. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and that you see each other on a regular basis. Your Match Coordinator will provide specific guidelines on expected frequency of activities with your Little. Until your relationship is established, the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parent, your Little, and you. If your Little is younger, a shorter outing might be better.

We discourage you from spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is friendship. You should focus your time on getting to know each other. We encourage you to seek out free or low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Our local events directory is a great resource for activities you and your Little might enjoy! You may also receive notices for opportunities for free tickets for you and your match to attend a variety of cultural and sports activities.

Share an activity that gives you a chance to enjoy something in common. Buy a comic book to read to each other, play a board game or take a ride in the car with the radio on while you discuss music! You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: have FUN! Our local events directory is a great resource for activities you and your Little might enjoy.

In the beginning, it’s important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This happens best on a one-to-one basis. Over time, however, it can be valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. Remember that the main focus is the friendship YOU have with your Little. If you have questions about outings, contact your Match Coordinator for guidelines or suggestions.

Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Coordinator from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you’re unsure about what to do, or how to handle a situation, you’ll have a Match Coordinator there to help. They can offer ideas for activities, guidance for handling difficult situations, and feedback on how you’re making a difference, just by showing up!