We ask Bigs and Littles to see each other approximately 2-4 times a month.

Once your child is matched with their Big, your family will be assigned a Mentor Relationship Specialist. This professional staff member will be present the first time you and your child meet their Big. They will be available to provide support throughout the lifetime of your match relationship.  Your Mentor Relationship Specialist will be in regular contact with you, providing ideas for activities, guidance and coaching tips, resources, and will always be ensuring child safety.

Each volunteer that applies goes through a multi-layered enrollment process. We do not accept every volunteer who is interested in becoming a Big. Volunteers are required to complete an application, a background/driving check, provide references, and attend an in-person interview.  If approved for the program, Volunteers are required to attend a training prior to matching.

During your interview, you will be asked a series of questions about your child, family, and any match preferences you might have. This helps guide us as we look for the best fit for your child. We do match all Littles with same gender identifying Bigs, ideally within 20 minutes from their home. Our matching team looks at interests, personalities, experiences, goals, and specific preferences each party may have.

We have staff dedicated to finding low to no cost activities for matches to participate in. It is up to each match to schedule and participate in activities on their own time.  Common activities include going to get ice cream or going to a movie; playing catch or a video game; attending a sporting event or concert; hanging out at home and making dinner; or running errands. We encourage Bigs and Littles to share in picking outings, keeping it simple and getting to know each other.  BBBSCI hosts a variety of great match activities that all Bigs and Littles are invited to. 

We ask for a minimum commitment of one year for each match we make. Matches can remain active through elementary, middle, and high school. Many of our friendships end up lasting a lifetime.