ENROLL A CHILD
ARM YOUR CHILD WITH ANOTHER AWESOME ADULT TO PROVIDE
SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT AND FRIENDSHIP
GET A BIG
Life can be hard - we all experience ups and downs, and we know the more people you have in your corner, the better. We’d love the opportunity to provide your child with another positive, adult role model to help them ignite their own potential.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland serves children and teens who want a mentor in their lives. We match Littles, aged 8-17, with Bigs in a one-to-one mentoring relationship with adult volunteers (aged 21+). Bigs and Littles hang out about four hours each month doing normal, everyday activities, like going to see a movie, playing games, going out to eat, or just hanging out!
By spending time together in the communities, mentoring matches build a genuine bond of friendship and support - that's the magic of BBBS.
BENEFITS OF youths HAVING A BIG
These MENTORING FRIENDships help YOUTHs build relationships, develop self confidence,
and generally become happier, stronger individuals.
BUILDS LASTING
FRIENDSHIPS
helps to develop
self-worth
46% LESS LIKELY
TO TURN TO ALCOHOL
ENHANCES SOCIAL &
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
IMPROVES SCHOOL
PERFORMANCE & ENGagement
strengthens
family relationships
READY TO START?
With a Big in their life, children and teens in the BBBS program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow in their self-esteem, earn better grades, and develop a lifelong friendship with their Big. Our dedicated Match Support Specialists are always there for you and your child to provide personalized resources and support.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in our program and live in Cuyahoga County, please read the following enrollment steps:
Step 1
COMPLETE YOUR
ONLINE APPLICATION
(To enroll multiple children, PLEASE NOTIFY STAFF ON FOLLOW UP call)
Step 2
1-on-1 phone call WITH A BBBS STAFF MEMBER SO WE CAN LEARN ABOUT YOUR child
Step 3
Schedule a Zoom video chat for your child and a BBBS staff membeR
(AFTER THE CALL WE'LL REACH TO the PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO DISCUSS PROGRAM FIT)
Step 1
COMPLETE YOUR
ONLINE APPLICATION
(To enroll multiple children, PLEASE NOTIFY STAFF ON FOLLOW UP call)
Step 2
1-1 PHONE CALL WITH A BBBS STAFF MEMBER SO WE CAN LEARN ABOUT YOUR CHILD
Step 3
Schedule a Zoom video chat for your child and a BBBS staff member
(AFTER THE CALL WE'LL REACH TO the PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO DISCUSS PROGRAM FIT)
Step 4
LEARN ABOUT THE POTENTIAL BIG WE HAVE CAREFULLY SELECTED
Step 4
Learn about the Potential Big we have carefully selected
Step 5
MEET YOUR LITTLE'S BIG IN A MATCH INTRODUCTORY ZOOM MEETING RUN BY A STAFF MEMBER
Step 6
IF THE MATCH IS A GO, MAKE PLANS FOR YOUR FIRST OUTING TOGETHER AS A MATCH!
Step 5
MEET YOUR LITTLE'S BIG IN A MATCH INTRODUCTORY ZOOM MEETING RUN BY A STAFF MEMBER
Step 6
IF THE MATCH IS A GO, MAKE PLANS FOR YOUR FIRST OUTING TOGETHER AS A MATCH!
HELPFUL THINGS TO KNOW
Does my child need to have a specific problem to participate?
No. As a nonprofit, our goal is to support as many children and families as we can. There is no financial requirement or specific educational expectation for children to participate. We believe every child can benefit from having a caring, consistent adult mentor, and we are committed to creating opportunities for children across Cuyahoga County.
Why do I need to complete Personal Safety Training if I’m already a parent/guardian?
Start applicationBeing a parent/guardian already means you know a great deal about keeping your child safe. Our Personal Safety Training provides families with additional information and tools specific to mentoring relationships. It helps parents/guardians understand program expectations, recognize potential safety concerns, and feel confident supporting a safe and successful mentoring experience.
What is the role of a Big, and what support can they provide my child?
Bigs are caring, trained volunteers who serve as mentors and positive adult role models. They are not therapists, counselors, teachers, or caregivers. Their role is to build a meaningful relationship with your child, spend quality time together, encourage their growth, and provide support and friendship as they navigate everyday life.
What is the matching process?
BBBS staff recommends and presents the match based on insight gained from applications and interviews with Big and Little. To start, a Big Brothers Big Sisters team member introduces the potential Big to the child and family, sharing why we believe this specific pairing will be a great fit based on compatibility such as shared interests and personalities. Next, the child and potential Big learn more about each other and meet virtually, with a staff member present to facilitate and support the conversation. After the meeting, the child, the Big, and the parent/guardian each share their thoughts and decide whether to move forward.
A match is only finalized when everyone, including our team, agrees it’s the right fit. Once the match is made, a dedicated Match Support Specialist is assigned to guide and support the child, family, and Big throughout their entire mentoring journey.
Can my child choose whether they want to participate?
Yes. While parents and caregivers can introduce their child to the program, participation must be voluntary for the child. If a child does not want to participate, they cannot be required to do so. We believe children are most likely to benefit from mentoring when they feel comfortable, engaged, and willing to build a relationship with their Big.
What is the time commitment and frequency of outings for my child and their Big?
The mentoring commitment is 12 months, with a minimum expectation of two outings per month. We also encourage additional communication between outings because we understand that meaningful relationships take time to develop. Consistent time and communication help children and their Big build trust and create a strong mentoring relationship.
What is expected of me as a parent/guardian?
Parents/guardians play an important role in a successful mentoring relationship. Families are expected to communicate with our team, complete required program steps and trainings, provide accurate and updated information, support their child’s participation, and communicate any questions or concerns. We want families to feel supported throughout their child’s experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Can siblings participate in the program?
Yes, siblings can each participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters. However, each child must have their own application and enrollment process so we can understand each child’s individual needs, interests, and goals. Siblings are matched with their own Bigs and cannot share the same Big, as each mentoring relationship is designed to provide individualized support and attention.
What happens if my child or I have concerns about the match?
We encourage families to communicate openly with our team about any questions or concerns. Our staff are here to support the child, family, and Big throughout the mentoring relationship and will work with everyone involved to address concerns and determine the best next steps.
Why is the waitlist so long?
Our Bigs are community volunteers who give their time to mentor a child. Because our program depends on volunteers, the number of children we can match depends on the number of Bigs available. When more families are waiting than volunteers are available, a waitlist is necessary. We appreciate your patience as we work to recruit more volunteers and create more mentoring opportunities for children in our community.
Safety explained
Your child's safety is our #1 priority.
Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained staff member.
Safety explained
Your child's safety is our #1 priority.
Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained staff member.
Families as partners
We value the partnership of parents and caregivers in our program! We know how important your child's success is to you, and your child's success in our program would not be possible without your commitment and support.
We need you to be involved and engaged every step of the way, and we will be a resource for you and your family.
Families as partners
We value the partnership of parents and caregivers in our program! We know how important your child's success is to you, and your child's success in our program would not be possible without your commitment and support.
We need you to be involved and engaged every step of the way, and we will be a resource for you and your family.
Safety explained
Your child's safety is our #1 priority.
Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained staff member.
Safety explained
Your child's safety is our #1 priority.
Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained staff member.
Families as partners
We value the partnership of parents and caregivers in our program! We know how important your child's success is to you, and your child's success in our program would not be possible without your commitment and support.
We need you to be involved and engaged every step of the way, and we will be a resource for you and your family.
Safety explained
Your child's safety is our #1 priority.
Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained staff member.
Families as partners
We value the partnership of parents and caregivers in our program! We know how important your child's success is to you, and your child's success in our program would not be possible without your commitment and support.
We need you to be involved and engaged every step of the way, and we will be a resource for you and your family.
Families as partners
We value the partnership of parents and caregivers in our program! We know how important your child's success is to you, and your child's success in our program would not be possible without your commitment and support.
We need you to be involved and engaged every step of the way, and we will be a resource for you and your family.
Hasheen tellS the story of his 10-year match with his Big Brother BILL
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