FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I the right person to be a Big Brother or Sister?

If you are 21 years of age and older, reside in Monmouth or Middlesex County and would like to spend time with a child who will benefit from having your friendship and your positive influence, then you have the potential to be a great Big Brother or Big Sister!

What does a Big Brother or Sister do?

Bigs spend one-to-one time with Littles having fun and exploring each others interests. They go to the movies together, or to a ball game, watch television, play video games, bake cookies; in most cases it’s these simple activities that foster that special bond and lead to magical moments for both the child and the mentor that will last a lifetime. In fact, research on our mentoring programs shows that our Bigs have a powerful, positive and lasting impact on the character and confidence of the children they mentor. Littles who are successfully matched with a Big are (1) less likely to begin using illegal drugs, (2) less likely to begin using alcohol, (3) less likely to skip school, and (4) more confident of their performance in schoolwork.

Do I need special training or experience to be a Big Brother
or Sister?

Not at all! The most important qualification for a Big to have is a genuine desire to enrich the life of a child by sharing everyday activities and experiences with them. We do require that our Big Brothers and Big Sisters be prepared to make a 1 year commitment to their Little, spending 4-8 hours per month with them, and have a vehicle with current auto insurance. In addition, our highly qualified staff provides Bigs with training before they meet with their Little for the first time.

How do I become a Big Brother or Sister?

The process to become a mentor begins as soon as you let us know that you are interested in being a Big. Typically your contact information will be collected so that a member of our case work staff can call you to discuss volunteer eligibility, explain the in-take process and to verify your desire to volunteer with us. After that initial contact, the case worker will typically send you an application in the mail or you can apply on line. Once your application is received, a caseworker will arrange for the office interview, criminal background and driving records check. References will also be sent out and you will need to be fingerprinted. If you are volunteering in a program where the Little may be spending time at your home, a home visit may be necessary. Once checks are complete you will be invited to our office for a pre-match training session with a member of our case work staff. The entire process takes between 5 weeks to 8 weeks and is designed to ensure the safety of our Littles and the happiness of our Bigs when they are matched with the right child for them.

How will I be matched with a child?

Our enrollment and interview process is designed not only to ensure the safety of our children, but also to help us learn about your preferences. We get to know you first, so we can find the best Little Brother or Little Sister for you. We take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location and then we recommend a match with a Little that is based on your common interests, personality and geography.

Who are the Little Brothers and Little Sisters?

Our Littles are generally between 6 and 14 years old and they come from different ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds. Typically their parents recognize that they have a need for more positive role models and they come to us based on a referral by another parent, teacher, guidance counselor or social worker. We currently have a waiting list of over 30 children who are in need of a Big to call their own. Of that number not one of the male Littles currently has a father figure in his life. That’s why our need for volunteers is so urgent – and why our Bigs have such a wonderful impact on the lives of their Littles.

Can I bring my spouse/friend/family member on outings?

It is important for Bigs and Littles to really get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis and for that reason we recommend that Bigs not include others in activities with their Littles, certainly not before a good rapport has been established. We understand that over time it is also valuable for Littles to get to know the people who are important to their Bigs and we support that, as long as the main focus is the bond between the Big and Little. We also have an option called Couples Mentoring where two married adults can mentor a male child.

How much will it cost me to be a Big Brother or Sister?

Being a mentor costs nothing, although there may be costs associated with the activities Bigs and Littles choose to engage in. We encourage Bigs and Littles to plan activities that involve low or no cost so that the focus remains on the friendship that is being built. For example, it costs nothing to go hiking, jogging or to hang out in the park, yet these are activities that can lead to special moments for both Big and Littles. Keep in mind that the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency has several events or outings that you can attend and we often offer free tickets to sporting and cultural events.

What happens if I have questions after I am matched?

One of the things that makes our mentoring relationships special is that they are supported by a highly-trained, professional staff. These caseworkers provide problem solving, feedback and information as needed and support the match so that it is an enriching experience for both the Big and the Little. Case workers and matched Bigs generally talk to each other once per month and certainly more often as needed.

Are there other ways that I can be a Big?

Absolutely! In addition to our traditional match program we offer school-based and site-based programs. Our school-based mentoring program is a wonderful option for volunteers who would still like to mentor a child but who may not have the time for the more traditional match; in some cases, volunteers simply appreciate its more structured format and predictable timing. In school-based programs matches meet after school on the same day each week for supervised fun; they play sports or games together, attend talks by guest speakers or work on projects together. As with our community-based matches, the emphasis is not so much on the activities but on the trusting and warm bond that forms between the Little and the Big. We are also happy to partner with anyMonmouth or Middlesex County corporation or business interested in working with BBBS to establish a mentoring program where Bigs from their organization can meet each week with Littles in a mentoring relationship that is still very much about creating an enduring friendship, but also offers the Littles a unique exposure to the work-life of their Bigs.

I am not yet ready for a one-on-one match – is there any other way that I can support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth & Middlesex Counties?

There are many ways to get involved with us! You can choose to make a donation to support the work that we do for the children in the community; 85% of every dollar you give goes directly to making and supporting a Big and Little match. You may also help us in our search for volunteers by spreading the word about the work that we do, or by referring a friend or family member who would like to volunteer. Or you may give us the gift of your time – we are always looking for volunteers to help at our events, or to assist with administrative tasks in our office. We also welcome you to show your support by attending any of our yearly fund-raising events including the Bowl for Kids Sake, our Annual Gala, and our Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting, Casino Night, or Volleyball Tournament.