Give a Little time

Just 4 hours a month can change a lifetime! Be the steady, caring presence a child needs to dream bigger, grow stronger, and believe in their potential.

mentoring opportunities

Community Based Mentoring

Volunteers meet with their Littles twice a month for activities like visiting the zoo, playing catch, or taking a walk. A one-year commitment is required .

Volunteers meet with their Littles at school for 30–60 minutes each week during or after school hours, engaging in activities like homework help, games, or conversation. A one-year commitment is required

Supporting Programs

Additional programs include "I Am Enough," Future Pathways, Prevention-Focused Mentoring, Sports Buddies, and Group Mentoring, all designed to address specific needs within the community

Why Mentor?

Because one consistent, caring adult can change everything.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, we believe in the incredible power of connection. Becoming a mentor—or a “Big”—means showing up just a few hours a month to make a life-changing difference for a child or teen in your community.

You don’t need special training or a packed calendar. You just need to care.

What You'll Do

As a Big, you'll be matched with a Little based on shared interests, personality, and preferences. Together, you’ll spend time doing simple things that matter: shooting hoops, grabbing ice cream, visiting a museum, or just talking about life.

All it takes is a minimum of 4 hours a month. That’s one hour a week to spark confidence, curiosity, and hope in a young person who needs it most.

What You'll Give

Your time – A small monthly commitment that makes a lifelong impact
Your perspective – Help a child see new possibilities for their future
Your support – Be a trusted role model through life’s challenges and milestones

What You’ll Get

The joy of watching a young person grow
A deeper connection to your community
A meaningful experience that impacts you just as much as it does them

The Impact Is Real

Mentored youth are:

More likely to graduate high school and pursue college
Less likely to engage in risky behaviors
More confident in themselves and their future

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It Starts With One

When you become a mentor, you help ignite the power and promise of youth—because behind every confident child is someone who believed in them first.

Join our village. Be a Big. Make an impact.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

BIG STORIES

"By volunteering as a Big, I am able to give my Little representation and the opportunity to explore new things. We enjoy trying different foods and attending BBBSIA sponsored activities. I am proud of the relationship we've built. "

BBBSIA Big Sister

Janae Gray

" A child is genuine, authentic and will always see things in a different light many times than adults. Adults tend sometimes to think they know it all or they can be cynical about life but a child, especially in Jasper's case, it means a lot to me to see the world through his eyes."