If you don't see your question below, feel free to reach out to a Marketing & Recruitment team member by messaging enroll@bbbsomaha.org.
Community-Based Mentoring FAQs
Q) What are the requirements to become a Big?
A) Bigs must be:
-19 years or older. (Our current Bigs range from 19 to 70+)
-a high school graduate or hold a GED.
-have a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance.
-meet specific criminal history and automobile driving guidelines.
Big Couples:
In addition to the requirements above, couples have to be married or have been in a relationship for three or more years. They also have to live together, but don't have to live together for three years.
Q) Who are the Bigs in the program?
A) Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don't need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be the perfect fit.
Q) What kind of support can I expect from Big Brothers Big Sisters once I get matched?
A) Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.
Q) How much time will I be expected to spend with my Little?
A) Bigs will pick their Little up at their home and spend at least four hours a month total on two or more separate outings.
Q) What activities can I do with my Litte?
A) Bigs will communicate with their Little and their parent/guardian(s) to schedule activities. It is up to both parties to decide what activities they would like to do. We also offer at least two activities a month, free of cost for all matches. (Activities with a higher risk of injury require the signature of a High-Risk Activity Form from all parties.)
Q) Can I bring my spouse, a friend, or a family member on outings?
A) In the beginning it’s most important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little.
Q) How long can a match last?
A) We ask for a minimum commitment of one year for each match we make. However, if both parties wish, matches may remain active until the Little turns 21.
Q) How long will it take to get matched?
A) We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The waiting period varies for the different types of Big. At our agency, we typically have a list of close to 100 Little Brothers and Little Sisters waiting to be matched at any given time.
Q) Is there a cost involved with this program?
A) Your financial output should be very minimal. We encourage our matches to do low and no-cost activities. Your assigned Match Support Specialists can help you with activity ideas. Children are expected to pay their own way when activities involve a cost. We also have a list of participating businesses that give special discounts to our Big-Little matches.
Q) May I choose the type of child I will be matched with?
A) Through the interview process, our Enrollment Coordinators will get to know you and will work with you to identify a child with whom you will be best matched, based upon age, background, interests, and other factors.
Q) Does Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands accept LGBTQIA2S+ volunteers?
A) We value diversity, and no person will be denied equal opportunity to volunteer because of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Preferences, fit, and similarity of interests are taken into consideration when matching individuals together. As part of the matching process, we will disclose such information to the parent/guardian. If preferences are not aligned, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands will work to find a Little who we believe will be a good match for you.
We will continually work to enhance our community-based mentoring program and agency as a whole to better support our LGBTQIA2S+ Bigs, Littles and their families.
Q) Can I bring my spouse/friend/family member on outings?
A) In the beginning, it’s important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This happens best on a one-to-one basis. Over time, it is also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. But remember to keep it to a minimum; the main focus is the friendship you have with your Little.
Q) What happens if my match doesn’t work out well?
A) We do everything in our power to make a make a match we think will last; however, we realize that sometimes things happen in life. Bigs or Littles move, situations change or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work out, we will end the match. If this happens, your Match Support Specialist will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible. A Big should never just drop out of a Little’s life without closure as this is very detrimental to the child.
MentorU FAQs
Q) Can I be a mentor in MentorU and Community-Based Mentoring?
A) No- in our organization, we encourage one-to-one mentoring because it creates the strongest outcomes. Additionally, we do not match individuals already mentoring in other agencies for the same reason.
Q) What is MentorU?
A) MentorU is our newest site-based mentoring program. MentorU combines classroom instruction, technology, and mentorship to support students until graduation. Each student is enrolled in a MentorU classroom and has the opportunity to be matched with a mentor. Matched students meet with their mentor monthly for an activity and message on a secure platform about the different things they are learning in the MentorU classroom.
Q) What schools is MentorU in?
A) MentorU currently is currently in Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln high schools in Council Bluffs, Millard North and Keith Horizon Highschool, and Ralston Community Schools.
If your student is attending or going to attend any of our partner high schools, they can request to be in a MentorU advisement. Only students enrolled in the MentorU classroom can be matched with a mentor.
Q) What is the time commitment?
A) You only need 2.5 hours a month to support your student, including the once-a-month mentor meetup and messaging throughout the month. MentorU requires a two-school year time commitment- we have summer events but they are optional for matches. MentorU asks for two years due to the lower monthly commitment and the nature of the program.
Q) What is the messaging platform?
A) Chronus is our secure platform where all communication about the program will occur. Chronus is specifically designed for this program, giving both the student and the mentor a wraparound of support and safety. Students and Mentors exclusively communicate on this platform, which is monitored by BBBS staff 24/7.
Q) Where are the students from? How do they get involved with the program?
A) Students are selected by their middle school counselors for the program and recommended for their freshman advisement based on various factors. Each student enrolled in the MentorU classroom has been identified as someone who needs extra support in their life.
Students enrolled in the MentorU classroom have to apply to be matched with a mentor.
Q) What is taught in class?
A) The curriculum taught is adapted from established programs nationally. MentorU focuses on relationship building, self-esteem, goal setting, future planning, and community building. MentorU supports students to graduation and beyond.
Q) When are the Mentor Meetup event dates? What do you do?
A) Each school has their own event schedule. Events are typically after school between 3:30-6pm, with the exception of Horizon’s lunchtime event schedule. Event dates are set for volunteer and student convenience before the school year starts. Volunteers can discuss what school makes the most sense for them in the interview.
Meetups are a meal and an activity with your students. We do a variety of different relationship-building activities centered on having fun and learning more about each other.
Q) How is this different from other site-based mentoring programs?
A) MentorU offers wraparound support to students. Staff is present in the classroom, facilitating curriculum and group mentoring. Staff is present during Mentor Meetups every week. MentorU staff regularly collaborates with school staff and counselors to provide meaningful wraparound support to students. Students receive support and mentoring from their mentors. Each student receives individualized direct support from the program.
