Hundreds of kids here in the Lehigh Valley are waiting for someone like YOU to help them seize their potential. But you may be wondering just how you can help, and what would happen when you sign up to volunteer. To help with that, here are answers to our most frequently-asked questions from new volunteers, about everything from the enrollment process to background checks and the kinds of training you’ll get.
What programs can I volunteer in? What are the programs like?
Community-Based Mentoring Programs
- Mentors (Bigs) in our community-based program pick up their child (Little) from the Little’s home and take them out to do different mentoring activities together such as getting pizza, painting pottery, or attending a baseball game.
- Most matches typically meet on weekends or weekday evenings.
- Bigs are asked to commit to meeting with their Little twice a month for one year.
Littles2B
- This is a small-group program hosted at our Mentoring Center in east Allentown on the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm, specifically for children waiting to be matched with a Big.
- Volunteers help guide children through an activity or project, to give them a “Big for an evening” experience.
- Volunteers are asked to commit to attending three times a year.
After School Enrichment Program at the BBBSLV Youth Mentoring Center
- At this small-group program, volunteers assist Littles with homework and engage in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities.
- Volunteers are asked to commit to attending twice a month (Wednesdays from 3:30pm-5pm) October-May.
How much time do I need to commit as a Big Brother or Big Sister?
We have options for any amount of time you have to devote! In our Community-Based Mentoring Program, we ask you to commit for one year and meet with your Little twice a month. Matches typically spend 6-10 hours per month together. Don’t have that much time? Our Littles2B or After School Enrichment Program have lesser time commitments and are great ways to become involved.
How do I get involved?
Visit our website or call our office! Once you contact us, there are four steps in the enrollment process:
- Volunteer Interview
- Provide References
- Complete Background Checks
- Pre-Match Training
What background checks do I need to complete?
Volunteers need to complete the PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Fingerprint Clearance. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley (BBBSLV) will also complete additional background checks.
What if I already have my Child Abuse History Clearance or FBI Clearance?
If you have either one of these clearances from a prior volunteer experience or job, you can provide copies to us. If the clearance you have are older than 1 year, they would need to be updated.
How long is the interview?
We ask that you set aside two hours to provide you ample time as a volunteer to complete the questions and to not feel rushed during the interview process. We will also review some orientation materials during the interview.
Will I receive training prior to being matched?
All volunteers will complete an online pre-match training before meeting their Little. Once you have been matched, your Match Support Specialist will be speaking with you monthly to provide coaching and feedback.
What is a Match Support Specialist?
Every match we make is assigned a Match Support Specialist who will be speaking with you monthly. Professional support from BBBSLV staff helps our matches stay together longer and have more positive youth outcomes. Any time you have a question or concern, your Match Support Specialist is always available to speak.
Do you accept everyone who applies to be a volunteer?
No. As prospective mentors go through the application and assessment process, BBBSLV may determine that a mentoring role is not right for them. Prospective mentors themselves may also decide the time is not right to take on this role.
How will I be matched with a Little Brother or Little Sister?
Matches are made based on preferences provided by the Big, the Little/Little’s family as well as interests and personality. Matches are also made based on the location that the Big lives in relation to the area where the Little lives.
What age will my Little be?
BBBSLV matches Littles between the ages of 7-16. During your interview we will discuss what age range you feel comfortable mentoring.
Where do the Littles live?
BBBSLV serves both Lehigh and Northampton counties. Littles in our program reside with their families. Children are referred to BBBS for many reasons, including
Why are children referred to BBBS?
- The parents/guardians of our Littles believe that their child could benefit from the presence of an additional caring adult.
- Littles may also benefit from additional social, emotional, or academic support.
How are Littles enrolled?
- Littles come to BBBSLV either through a parent/guardian or through a referral from a local school or agency.
- Littles are from single and two-parent homes and are from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds.
- The Littles want to spend time with a Big.
The Future is BIG!
We’ve got a goal to recruit 30 new mentors over the month of September, and we hope you can join us! If you have more questions, please contact us – or visit our campaign page for The Future is BIG, or sign up now as a volunteer!