Who can be referred to Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Any child between the ages of 5 and 12 living in a single parent home.

How does the program work?
Mentors who have been screened and trained are matched to your child according to interests and personality to provide friendship and an opportunity to develop your child’s unique interests.

What is School-based Big Brothers Big Sisters?
The School-based Big Brothers Big Sisters program is aimed mostly at tutoring assistance along with other interactive activities, and meets strictly on school grounds. Children in this program are recommended by a teacher or other school professional. In this program, your child’s mentor may be a high school student under the age of 18.

What is Community-based Big Brothers Big Sisters?
The Community-based program is mostly social and activity oriented and meetings occur in the community or at the volunteer’s home. A parent may request a community-based Big Brother Big Sister for their child; a school referral is not necessary. In this program, your child will be matched with a qualified adult 18 years of age
or older.

How would my child benefit from a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Big Brothers and Big Sisters are adult role models and friends. Children thrive when they become the focus of positive attention, even for a short time. Most of all, a BBBS mentor can show your child a “bigger” world while providing encouragement to succeed at school, in relationships and at life. Your child grows in self-awareness, self-esteem, begins to set realistic positive goals and learns to make healthy choices with friends and activities.

What would my child do with a Big Brother or Big Sister?
Play sports, shop, see a movie, go to a museum, visit the library, review for a test, learn a card game, build a project…you name it! We even have some group activities where all our mentors and children can gather for group fun.

How do I know my child will be safe?
Parents always have the final say in who their child is matched with, where their children go, what activities they engage in with their mentors and what time they should be home. D.A. Blodgett for Children carefully screens every Big Brother Big Sister mentor which requires a police check, three references, a personal interview and an acceptable driving record. We encourage parents to contact us immediately if there are questions or concerns.

How long has D.A. Blodgett for Children been doing this?
Since 1965—a long, long time!

What is the role of D.A. Blodgett for Children?
D.A. Blodgett for Children manages the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for all of Kent County and parts of Ottawa County by providing ongoing support for the volunteer, organizing occasional
get-togethers for the group and providing professional counseling of the child and family when needed.

How do I enroll my child?
The parent may request a match directly by calling D.A. Blodgett for Children at (616) 451-2021 and asking to speak with a BBBS social worker.

Is there a fee?
The service is free, thanks to our volunteers who donate their time and United Way, as well as other community financial support.

What are my responsibilities as the parent?
You need to be home when your child is picked up and returned by the volunteer. You also need to support the relationship but offer suggestions and guidelines when necessary. We discourage allowing your child to stay overnight with a BBBS mentor and we also discourage taking away a meeting as a form of punishment. Finally, as the parent, your approval is always essential and necessary.

How long will my child wait for a match?
Unfortunately, because there is a shortage of volunteers, the wait may be six months or longer. In some cases an accepted child is not matched to a volunteer. We encourage you to apply early.

How long will my child stay in the program?
Matches usually continue beyond a year depending on the satisfaction of the volunteer, child and parent. In some cases, a matched child may continue in the program until the child is 18 years old.