Mentorship

Become A Little

Who should apply?

Children who will benefit from the influence of a positive adult role model and friend
Boys ages 6 to 16
Girls ages 6 to 16
Children in permanent foster care and kinship care
Youth with one or both parents incarcerated
Children of single parents
Children not working up their academic potential

If you are unsure whether Big Brothers Big Sisters is right for your child, please call us at 301-724-2742.

After completing this form please mail to 600 Memorial Avenue Suite 102 Cumberland, MD 21502 or fax to 301-724-0095

Become A Big

Through our application and interview process, we strive to gather as much information about a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple applicant as possible. The more we know about a person, the more informed decisions we can make about their potential success with a little brother or sister. Safety is always a foremost consideration. Ours is unique volunteer program, in that volunteers spent their time one on one with a child. In our community program, the time may be spent in their homes, in their car, at the mall, hiking on the canal, biking, baking, shooting hoops... the possibilities are endless. And in our lunch buddies program, they spend their time in the school doing homework, playing games, reading... or just getting to know the child. There is one definitive end result: that the time spent will have a great influence/impact on the child. Our job is to make sure from the "get-go" that the impact will be a positive one. So, we do ask many questions! We also offer applicants many opportunities to share their ideas, preferences, and self-perceived areas of interest or knowledge. . Compatibility is so important! Those mutual areas of interest or similar personality trait goes a long way toward building a friendship. Some common ground, attitudes, and interests give the match a firm base on which to proceed. Then the fun begins.

Specific Components of the volunteer application are as follows:

Initial Application
References are identified and obtained by phone or mail.
In-Office or Home Interview takes between one hour to an hour and a half to complete. This includes a complete program orientation.
An in-depth applicant profile is also obtained
Motor Vehicle Check Provides a complete summary of applicant's driving record.
Criminal Background Check

Click Here To Apply

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FAQ

How long will my child wait for a Big?: How long your child waits depends on finding the right volunteer with shared interests. We keep you informed while you are waiting and you and your child will be invited to events even before being matched. Boys have to wait longer than girls simply because of supply and demand. However, other parents will tell you that the wait is worth the fun and joy your child will experience. Please help us recruit volunteers by encouraging positive adults to sign up!
How do you choose a Big for my child?: We visit with you and your child in your home and you get to tell us about the kind of person who would be a great Big Brother or Big Sister. Do they like the same music or enjoy the same outdoor activities? We find a Big for your child based on your input and our experience over many years, finding positive adults to mentor children. You get to approve the match and we stay in touch with you to make sure your expectations are being met.
How often do they meet? What do they do?: Big and Little get together a couple times per month for a few hours. Parents approve the scheduling and the activities. No overnight visits are allowed in the first 9 months of the match and then, only if you are comfortable.
How do you decide who can be a Big?: We interview each potential Big and conduct extensive employment, child abuse, and criminal background checks. In addition, we check at least three personal references. We reserve the right to conduct a home visit or ask for additional information as needed. Our volunteers are businessmen and women, educators, doctors and nurses. Some of our volunteers are college students, parents, retired individuals, and grandparents-with different and diverse backgrounds. But they all share the belief that all children are children of promise.