Our Bigs are community-focused individuals with a shared responsibility to support youth in realizing their fullest potential. They have diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. You don’t need a special degree or job skill. You just have to possess the desire to bring social change by positively impacting a young person’s life.

Our Littles are youth ages 6-18 who reside in Genesee County. Youth enrolled in our program are empowered through mentorship that clears the path for their biggest possible futures. They are our future doctors, engineers, teachers and even Presidents. All they need is someone to be their corner to help them realize their fullest potential.

Parents/Caregivers are vital partners with the agency. As the first line of defense for their child’s potential, they have united with Big Brothers Big Sisters in defending it. They recognize the urgency in providing mentorship to their child to help clear the path for their biggest possible future.

Potential Bigs must meet the following criteria:

• Reside in Genesee County
• Complete enrollment process including orientation, face-to-face interview, consent to criminal background checks, provide character references and volunteer training
• Commit to a minimum of 4-6 hours a month for a year
• Have reliable transportation

This is dependent on the program you are matched:

• School-Based matches are restricted to match activities occurring ONLY at the school/site at the schedule program time.
• Community-Based matches have the flexibility to schedule match activities that work for everyone’s schedule. Match activities should be scheduled on a regular and consistent basis. We recommend that the Big and Littles decide what they want to do and get approval from the Parent/Caregiver.

We recognize that as a Big you are donating your time and talents. The main goal as a Big is to support the youth in realizing their own potential.  We encourage you to choose no/low-cost activities focusing on building a healthy relationship with your Little. Your Case Manager will be a resource for these activities. The agency may also provide opportunities to attend local sporting events and cultural activities for you to enjoy with your Little.

The most important thing is to keep it simple. You should always include your Little in the decision making of activities and get the Parent/Caregiver’s approval. Going for a walk in the park, baking cookies, throwing the ball around or simply running errands are all activities you may do with your Little. Choose an activity that allows you to get to know one another.

BBBS prides itself in our professionally supported one-to-one relationship.  Once you’re matched, your case manager will communicate on a regular basis to offer assistance and guidance. Don’t hesitate to contact the agency if there is ever a time you are unsure how to handle a situation or unsure what to do. The monthly support contacts also provide an opportunity to update you on agency events and information.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn