What is School-based Big Brothers Big Sisters all about?
An accepted volunteer mentors an elementary or junior high age student who is determined by school personnel to benefit from a one to one mentoring relationship. Most of the children in the program need help with academics and can benefit from positive encouragement. All meetings are held on school grounds.

How old do I have to be to volunteer?
You need to be high school age or older.

What is my role as a volunteer?
You are a friend, mentor, tutor and role model.

How much time is involved?
Once matched with a waiting child, you will meet 30 to 60 minutes weekly usually during the school day.

Do I need any special skills?
You need to have a heart for children and understand you are about to become an important person and role model in this child’s life. You need to have transportation to the child’s school and maintain a consistent meeting time with the child.

What will I do with my little brother or little sister?
You’ll help with academics, homework and coordinate progress with your child’s teacher. Plus, you can involve your child in activities like art projects, computers and games.

What if I want to take my little brother or little sister off school grounds?
If you are 18 or older you may extend your relationship with the student to a community-based match after additional screening and approval by the Big Brother Big Sister Program.

Can I get credit from my high school for being a Big Brother Big Sister?
Yes, high schools do offer volunteer or work experience credit for time spent volunteering as a Big Brother Big Sister. Check with your principal for school district guidelines.

Will my employer support my volunteer activity?
More businesses and corporations are encouraging community service projects and may very likely allow your school based mentoring during work time or encourage it through donations of time or dollars to support the activity.

When does the program start?
You may begin volunteering anytime during the school year.

Will I meet other volunteers my age?
You can get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraising activities, like our Bowl-for-Kids’-Sake, and meet other BBBS mentors and we can connect you with other school-based volunteers for support and conversation, too. Just ask your BBBS caseworker about these opportunities.

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 Eastern Ottawa County by providing screening, matching, training and ongoing support of the volunteer, child and the match.

How do I sign up?
Call D.A. Blodgett for Children at
(616) 451-2021 and ask to speak with a Big Brother Big Sister social worker or email bbbsgr@dablodgett.org.