| Q. |
What will I get out of it?
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| A. |
The great feeling of making a positive impact on a child’s life. In fact, our volunteers tell us that they have a lot of fun and get as much out of it as the kids!
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| Q. |
What does it cost to apply?
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| A. |
There is no cost for volunteers or parent(s)/guardian(s) to apply to Big Brothers and Sisters. Our agency is supported by the United Way, corporate sponsorships, private donations from individuals and community groups as well as fundraising.
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| Q. |
How much time does it take to be a volunteer?
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| A. |
Just a few hours a month is all it takes to be matched. That time commitment is defined as 3 hours/week when it’s convenient for you and your Little.
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| Q. |
How can I become a Big Brother or Big Sister?
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| A. |
Contact us or fill out our request information form. Our friendly staff will answer your questions and explain the programs to you. If you think being a Big Brother or Big Sister is for you, then we will need to learn more about you through subsequent interviews. This process helps us get to know you and your interests. We also interview the children and their parent(s)/guardian(s) to get to know them too. By comparing information from prospective Big Brothers/Sisters and prospective Little Brothers/Sisters we are able to find adults and children with similar interests. For example, if we have a volunteer very interested in sports, then we would match that volunteer with a child who also is interested in sports. We learn about those interests through the interview process.
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| Q. |
I am married. Can my spouse and I be matched to the same child?
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| A. |
Yes. Married couples can apply separately or work together as a Big Couple with one child. Both spouses must be 18 or older, be able to meet the time commitment of three hours per week and be interviewed for the program.
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| Q. |
What can I do with my little brother/sister?
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| A. |
Big Brothers/Sisters spend a few hours per month (3 hours/week) doing various activities. You might go bowling, catch a movie, bake cookies, toss a football, etc. The activities include almost anything that two friends would do together.
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| Q. |
What help can I expect to receive with my match?
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| A. |
The staff person assigned to your match will support it with “match support”. This consists of phone call and some meetings. Before you are matched, you will receive an orientation and a helpful Volunteer Handbook. Anytime you have a question you can contact your assigned staff person.
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| Q. |
Do I have a choice in the child that I will be matched with?
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| A. |
Yes. During your Volunteer Interview we will talk about your interests as your expectations. In addition to your interests and activities, we take into account preferences for age, personality, interests, location, cultural, religious preferences, etc. The interview is to get to know you better and for you to learn more about the Agency.
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| Q. |
How can I enroll my child in the Big Brothers and Sister program?
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| A. |
Parent(s)/guardian(s) should contact our office to learn more about our services and the program. A child can also be referred to us by school personnel or other social service agency. Through interviews with the parent/guardian and the child, we’ll become acquainted with the child’s interests as well as their need for our services.
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| Q. |
Can I be matched with more than one child?
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| A. |
Yes and no . . . a typical match is a Big Brother/Sister and one Little Brother/Sister. Only experienced volunteers are considered for multiple matches. |