Community Based Mentoring

Community Based Mentoring is all about individualized attention and time spent with an adult volunteer and a child. Activities typically last 2 to 4 hours and occur twice a month. The mentor (Big) picks up the child (Little) at the child's home for a free or low cost community activity during which a child may learn new skills, explore new interests, or expand their experience beyond their family and neighborhood. Activities can be anything the two can dream up from hiking at Holmdel Park, kayaking/canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, shooting hoops, baking a cake, going to the library, eating ice cream or just sunning on the beach. Most match activities occur on the weekend but after school is fine, too. A minimum of one year is required so that the relationship has a chance to grow and develop, allowing enough time to foster the Little's ability to manage the everyday challenges that are a part of growing up. The Littles are all from Monmouth and Middlesex Counties and between the ages of 6 and 14. A casework professional provides support and supervision to all match participants to ensure the safety of the match.

Community based Big Brothers and Big Sisters must:

be at least 21 years old for the Community-based program
live in Monmouth or Middlesex County with no plans to relocate for at least two years
have a valid driver’s license and access to a car with the minimum levels of insurance as required by State law
be able to make a commitment to share an activity with their “Little” once a week or every other week for at least one year (community based only)
not be using illegal drugs and cannot have convictions of any kind, including DWI, for one year prior to application. Any earlier criminal history is of concern and investigated
agree to work within and follow the organization rules and guidelines
not currently going through any major life transitions; e.g., divorce, new baby
be willing to complete the intake process which includes an application, three references, criminal history and DMV checks, fingerprinting, pre-match training, office interview and home interview if necessary.
be married for at least one year in the case of couples who would like to mentor a child together

To become a mentor, please contact Sandi Mangino via email or call her at 732-544-2224, ext. 313.