Program Enrollment
This program pairs children ages 7-16, called “Littles”, in a one to one mentoring relationship with screened, professionally trained and supported adults within the community. These volunteers are known as “Bigs”. Bigs will meet with their Littles on a flexible schedule determined between the volunteer and the family, supported by Big Brother Big Sisters of Bucks County Staff, being the Match Support Specialist. Matches meet 2-4 times a month, committing to a minimum of 15 months, with the intent of continuing for many years. Children are referred by parent/guardians, teachers, school counselors, coaches, and more. Pairs are matches based on the goals and needs of the child, the skills and experiences of the mentor, similar interests and preferences for pairing, and proximity. Meetings happen out in the community, where Matches can engage in fun, skill-building, and memory making activities that expose the child to new opportunities and positive experiences in line with the child’s personal and developmental goals. Many Matches last for years, often seeing youth though to Program graduation at 18, and beyond!
"My Big Brother’s name is Ted. He has been really good to me. He makes me feel important because he likes to hang out with me. I can really count on him being reliable. I don’t get to see my father very much, and he lets me down a lot. Ted makes me feel good about myself because he does stuff that a father would do. Having a Big Brother in my life is cool because I only have girls at home. They aren’t interested in the stuff that guys are. Ted and I both like to fish, talk about cars and work on projects. Ted only has to see me once a month, but even though he is very busy he comes to see me every single weekend. My father doesn’t make an effort to see me, but Ted always makes the effort."