Who can be a "Little"

A "Little" is between the ages of 5 and 13 who has a desire to have a big. A parent, caring adult, or any school personnel can refer a child to our program.

School-Based Program

In the School-based mentoring program, a volunteer is matched with a young person in a local school. Then, one hour a week the “Big” engages in various activities with the “Little”. They do things only on school property, such as going over homework, playing board games, eating lunch or watching a school play.

Bigs and volunteers do some line dancing at the BBBS and Woodmen of the World Super Spaghetti Dinner in April 2010

Community-Based Program

In the community-based mentoring program a volunteer provides friendship, guidance and support for the “Little” through activities that help to build self-esteem, improve their school grades, and increase positive relationships. Whether they attend a ball game, spend a day in the park, going to the library or just hang out, the experience will be magical.

Child Eligibility

• Child must be between the ages of 5 and 13
• Child must need of individualized, one-to-one relationship with an adult
• Custodial parent/guardian should cooperate with the program. Staff and mentor
• Child must be assessed to have one or more of the following characteristics:
  • loneliness
  • withdrawal from family/peers
  • inadequate relationship with adults
  • poor social skills
  • academic or personal underachievement
  • poor self-esteem
  • limited opportunities due to family socioeconomic status or inadequate relationships
  • pre-delinquent behavior/delinquent behavior
  • need for companionship and adult role model