Community-Based Mentoring
What is Community-Based Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa matches children ages 5-16 years old and who live in Polk, Dallas, or Warren counties. The program requires that the Little and Big stay matched together a minimum of one year. The match can continue until the child turns 18 and graduates high school. There are also options for multiple individuals to mentor a child together by being a Big Duo or Family Match.
- The mentor (Big) and child (Little) get together at least two times a month for a couple hours each visit.
- Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends, and others get together in the evenings. However, each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them.
- Bigs spend time with their Littles participating in activities out in the community, like visiting the Science Center or zoo, playing catch at the park, taking a walk… whatever the match chooses to do together.
To Become a Big
- Volunteers must be 18 years old or older.
- Complete an application.
- Complete orientation, interview and other forms to help us find the best match possible.
- We conduct background checks on each of our mentors - criminal, child abuse and driving records - to ensure the safety of the child.
To start the process to enroll as a Community-Based Big, please click the button below. For more information on mentoring with BBBSIA, please contact call Danielle Moss, Community-Based Program Manager, at [email protected] or (515) 217-4014.
Duo or Family Mentoring
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa understands that many people have limited free time with their friends and family due to their busy schedules. Because of this, we offer an opportunity for you and your loved ones to be matched together in our Community-Based Mentoring program by being a Big Duo or Big Family.
- Big Duos consist of two people - two friends, co-workers, spouses, siblings.
- These two individuals will be matched with one child who shares common interests.
- Big Families allow you and your entire family to be matched with one child.
- You can request a child who is similar age to your child(ren) who shares a common interest with all of you.
For a few hours, a couple times a month, you can give a Little the invaluable gift of your friendship. By simply changing their perspective of what the world can offer, you can literally start changing their lives. Sometimes it’s as simple as playing video games, going to a museum or just hanging out together.