Original Program
Community-Based Mentoring is implemented by the Original program in a one-to-one mentoring relationship (1:1). This is the signature program of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, dating back to 1913 when the first Big Brothers agency opened in Toronto.
In this program, Littles (children/youth between 6 and 16 years of age) are matched with Bigs (volunteers 18 years of older) based upon an assessment of needs and common interests. Each match is assigned a staff person who is in ongoing contact with them through regularly scheduled meetings. In addition, the staff person shall be the first point of contact for every match to address issues, concerns, or just share positive experiences, at any time.
The program requests a minimum of 1-year time commitment of volunteers in weekly or bi-weekly meetings/outings with their Littles. Meetings/outings take place in community settings, during the week/weekend. Our matches have flexibility in determining how to spend the time together, as long as the approaches are developmental and put the interests of the Littles first. The outings serve not only as a fun time but also as an opportunity to build a relationship, learn new skills and improve behaviour while reaching goals set at the beginning of the relationship.
Critical to the success of mentoring relationships in this program are the combined commitment and cooperation of all parties: the child, volunteer,parent and agency.
Other opportunities within the Community-Based Mentoring programs include:
Pauline Site for "Original Matches"
This creative programmatic solution was launched in October 2010 and has been implemented in response to the increased wait times for volunteers to receive their completed police clearance. Because the current wait time for a volunteer to receive a police clearance is approximately 3-4 months, this site creates an opportunity for potential matches to meet on a regular basis while volunteers wait for their police clearance. This site is supervised and monitored by an Original Program staff member to ensure adherence to child-safety guidelines.
Future sites are in the process of being developed for 2011
Start something and become a Big!
If you would like to know more about this program, contact us!