Big Brothers Big Sisters staff screen volunteers and youth for eligibility and to ensure the safety of all participants. Once enrolled, staff pair an adult/teen with a child based on compatibility to ensure the development of a positive friendship. Staff continues to support the blossoming relationship through the duration of the relationship ensuring positive outcomes.

In the community-based program, Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers, 21 years of age/older, provide children and youth – our “Littles” - individualized time and attention on a regular basis, typically 2 – 4 times a month, for two to three hours. During unstructured weekly or bi-weekly outings, filled with conversations and shared activities, they develop a relationship that helps youth manage the every day challenges that are part of “growing up.” During the time with their Big, children gain new skills, explore new interests and test behaviors that expand their experience base beyond their family or neighborhood.

Over the course of time, children gain confidence, acquire new skills and competencies, and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others – all tasks that are a part of developing healthy maturity. Volunteers experience a sense of discovery and enjoyment as they see the world of possibility open up through the child’s eyes. An evaluation tool, The Program-based Outcome Evaluation Instrument (POE), demonstrates positive outcomes for children in the program.

Volunteers offer children and youth individualized time and attention on a consistent basis, with the venue being the child’s school, or another specific site, rather than a community activity. Teachers identify those children who can most benefit from an extra caring adult/teen in their lives. Volunteers and children meet each week, utilizing the resources available within the school: the library, the gym, a classroom, or the schoolyard.

Whether they play board games, or read the newspaper together, their relationship promotes a positive school experience for the child: good attendance, positive peer and adult relationships, a positive attitude, and academic enrichment. As their friendship evolves over time, volunteers and children discover ways to make school and learning fun. When matches continue from one school year to the next, volunteers experience the satisfaction of watching their Littles achieve success in school.

After School Buddy Program: A volunteer 15 years old or older meets a child once a week after school for one hour. The program continues through the school year. (Offered at all school in the Lake Havasu Unified School District & Telesis)

Lunch Buddy Program: An adult volunteer 18 years or older meets a child at the school site during the child’s lunch period to have lunch and talk. The volunteer may accompany the child during recess if the two are comfortable with this idea. This will occur once a week for 30-45 minutes. The program continues through the school year. (This program will be implemented in the 2008-2009 school year).