Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What
ages of children do you serve? From what counties?
Children between the ages of
5 and 17 are served in our programs. To be eligible, a child must want to
have a Big Brother or Big Sister. We currently serve children within
Livingston County, but a mentor can work or live within Livingston County.
2. How
long will I wait for a Little?
The speed of the enrollment
process depends somewhat on you. The process moves more quickly once your interview
is complete. However, some delays can be caused by
not being able to reach one of your references. Once you are ready to be matched, the time you wait depends a lot
on your preferences. Generally, if you are flexible with your preferences
you can be matched very quickly, once you are through the enrollment
process.
3. How do
the children get referred?
Most of our children are
referred by their parent or guardian. Sometimes we get referrals from
teachers or other service providers but all children who participate must have
their parent's permission.
4. How do
you decide who I should be matched with?
We go out to the home to
meet the child and their family. At that time, we interview both the
parent and the child. Both have the opportunity to tell us what kind of
Big they would prefer. We will also ask you during your interview about your preferences. We match Bigs and Littles according to a
variety of factors in addition to your preferences such as: similar
interests,
background, experiences, distance from your home, etc. Before you meet
your Little, we will call you and discuss the match with you so that you feel
comfortable about beginning a relationship.
5. When do
I meet with my Little once we are matched?
We expect Bigs to meet at
least once a month for a few hours with their Little. The scheduling of
these visits are up to your schedule, your Little's schedule, and the Little's
family. When you call your Little you can then decide what activity
you would like to do. Remember, the parent always has the option to say
they do not want their child to participate in that activity. No overnight
visits are allowed in the first 6 months of the match and then, only if you are
comfortable.
6. What do
I do with my Little?
This is up to both of
you. Generally, matches do activities they both enjoy, but it is also nice
to branch out and try something new. Your Case Manager can help you with
ideas and identify low cost or free activities. We also provide a
Halloween Party, Christmas Party, and Annual Picnic for you and your Little to
attend. These are always a lot of fun and it gives our matches a chance to
get to know each other. It is a good idea to include your Little in making
decisions about what you do together, but be prepared to take charge of getting
the relationship going.
7. Who
pays for the activities that my Little and I may do together?
We encourage you to spend
time with your Little, not money on your Little. Generally, the
volunteer is responsible for activity expenses, but we do encourage parents to
help out and Littles to earn money by helping their parents or neighbor.
Remember that all money spent and mileage driven are tax deductible.
8. Who do
I contact for questions and concerns regarding my match?
Once you are matched your
Case Manager will support you in developing a relationship with your
Little. The support you get from your Case Manager is individualized so
that we support you in the way you want, when you need. However, you will come to know more than just your Case Manager so
feel free to ask for help or support from any of us. We hope you
will come to find that everyone at Big Brothers Big Sisters cares about you and
your match.
9. How do
I help my Little and their family secure resources if they are facing a crisis?
Your Case Manager can assist
your Little's family. Just call your Case Manager and let them know about
the situation. Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to reaching the whole
family - not just the Little. We will help by providing referrals to other
organizations in the community for counseling services, food, utility
assistance, housing, etc.
10. Should
I buy my Little gifts?
Again, we want you to focus
on spending time with your Little, not money on your Little. Gifts can be
reserved for special occasions like birthdays, Christmas, or your match
anniversary.
11. What
type of relationship should I have with my Little's family?
Relationships between Bigs
and parents/guardians vary as much as people do. Some Bigs become part of
the family and some interact only to discuss arrangements for activities.
Remember, your primary relationship is always with your Little. Your Case
Manager will be there for your Little's family and can help you decide how
involved you should get in family issues.
12.
Can my spouse or children participate in the activities with me and my
Little?
It is fine from time to time
to include your Little in activities with your spouse or have them meet your
children. However, the special time you spend with your Little should be
primarily for the two of you. If you and your spouse want to attend
activities together, you can become a Couple Match.
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Big Sister Cortney is a Pom Coach and her Little Sister
Gabrielle loves to go with her.
Big Brother Mike and Little Brother Jacob have found
they love to fish together.
Big Sister Jessica and Little Sister Brittany visited
the library together.
Best of buds, Big
Brother Bob and Little Brother EJ.
Big Sister Engrid and Little Sister Amee see each other
weekly.
Big Brother Tim and Little Brother Kyle just
celebrated their 1st Year Anniversary together.
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