OUR PROGRAMS
Our no-cost mentoring programs strive to reach young people who face adversity and are in need of an additional supportive relationship. Big Brothers Big Sisters of North and West Niagara formally match young people with an adult volunteer Mentor. Mentors are professionally trained and supported to ignite the unique power and potential of each Mentee. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides every match with access to a professional caseworker who provides support to both the Mentee, Mentor and family. Current research suggests that young people are more likely to flourish when they are embedded in a web of relationships with supportive, caring adults. This is the essences of Big Brothers Big Sisters programs; providing the relationships that young people need to succeed.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS MENTORING
The Big Sisters Program matches girls aged 6-16, and boys aged 7-16 with a Big aged 18+ based on mutual experiences and shared interests. The pair meet for eight hours per month in the community and build a healthy, caring relationship that can last a lifetime. Not only do we foster relationships that allow children to thrive, but we reduce risk-taking behaviour and support healthy development.
IN-SCHOOL MENTORING
In-School Mentoring is a one-to-one encouragement program for boys and girls in grades 1-8. A child and his/her Mentor meet for one hour a week at the child’s elementary school to play games and sports, do arts and crafts, or just hang out and talk. Volunteers commit to a minimum of one school year (they do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays).
School-based mentoring programs are our fastest growing because they are effective in keeping kids in school. Children who spend time with a mentor gain confidence, competence, and caring. Mentors experience a sense of discovery and enjoyment as they see a world of possibility open up through a child’s eye. It is a small commitment that makes a BIG difference. Besides playing sports or painting during the workday, you’ll be a role model to a student. Through friendship, guidance, and sharing, you'll help build a child’s self confidence.
Volunteers commit to a minimum of one school year (they do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays).
A study commissioned by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada clearly validates the beneficial impact of programs such as In-School Mentoring has on children;
- 90% of mentors saw a positive change in the child they were mentoring,
- 88% of student showed improved literacy skills,
- 76% of students improved their school grades.
Studies show that mentoring helps kids stay in school, avoid risky behaviours such as bullying, and grow up having more respect for family, peers, and their community. Changing young lives can change life in our communities too. Helping children reach their full potential can lead to positive community outcomes like a reduction in poverty and unemployment, safer schools and neighbourhoods, and a new generation of civic-minded adults.
GO GIRLS! GROUP MENTORING
Go Girls! is a group mentoring program for girls ages 12-14 that focuses on physical activity, balanced eating and self-esteem. The single, most important goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of young women and girls by helping them build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach their full potential in life.
The Go Girls! program consists of 7 mentoring sessions, held over a 7-10 week period, during school hours within school facilities. Each 1 hour-long session is loosely structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.
The program strives to do the following:
- create appreciation for the benefits of an active, healthy lifestyle
- build understanding of what constitutes healthy eating habits and the risks associated with eating disorders
- promote the importance of positive mental activity and regular physical exercise
- encourage awareness of core values, personal interests, strengths and attributes
- support the development of leadership and life skills
- offer guidance in establishing and maintaining friendships
GAME ON! GROUP MENTORING
Through non-traditional physical activities, along with healthy eating information, participants are engaged in developing life skills, communication and emotional health discussions, designed to help participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles. Game On includes seven 1 hour core sessions. Sessions are structured around four themes:
- Physical activity
- Healthy eating
- Self-esteem
- Communication skills
Game On is designed to provide mentors with an opportunity to openly discuss current and pressing issues facing boys and young men through the lens of healthy living, build appreciation for the benefits of healthy eating habits, promote physical exercise, instill respect for socio-economic, ethno-cutural, and racial diversity, encourage leadership skills and independent thinking. Creating opportunities for a relationship to develop based on trust, provides a key opportunity for each boy to be positively supported in challenging the pressures they face in today’s society.
BIG BUNCH
Big Brothers Big Sisters has longstanding partnership with Ridley College in which once a month during the school year, grade 11 and 12 students from Ridley College engage with children off of the waitlist by playing games, creating craft projects, and other special activities. The purpose of the program is for the children to create friendships, learn positive social skills, gain confidence, and engage in physical activity. Transportation is arranged for those families who do not have access to it. Events are typically on weekends and are two hours in length.
COMMUNITY PARTNER DISCOUNTS
Being a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters has many benefits, including these incredible discounts and promotions offered by our various community partners throughout the region!