The support your child needs to thrive

FIND IT HERE

Does your child need some guidance, someone to talk to or a positive influence? We’ve got you covered.
The mentors, or Bigs as we like to call them, at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan are ready to be all of those things… and more. For 75 years, due in-large part to private donations, we’ve been able to recruit, screen, match and support mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of thousands of young people across Southeast Michigan — one match at a time.
You’ll see the impact of a match just as much as your child.
A study for Big Brothers Big Sisters found that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
~are more confident.
~are more likely to steer clear of drugs and alcohol.
~do better in school.
~get along better with their family and friends.
~feel better about themselves.

The benefits of being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan are life-long, as we aim to make an impact on their futures, for a lifetime. ​

WHO CAN ENROLL?

~Young people between 7-14 years of age
~Who live in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw or Wayne Counties
~Want and Need a Mentor

​If you live outside of these 4 counties in Michigan – you can go to our National website and find your local Big Brothers Big Sisters Agency.
Ready to get started?

FAMILIES AS PARTNERS


When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we’re all in this together. So it should come as no surprise that we need the parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way starting with the initial match.

​Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs, but you’ll also approve the selection of the Big Brother or Big Sister. Once the match is made, you remain closely involved in many ways, including:
  • Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big
  • Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with Big Brothers Big Sisters staff
  • Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency on a regular basis (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)
  • Participating in training on child safety offered by BBBS staff, and communicating with your child about the training he or she receives. 

CHILD SAFETY


Making the best possible match between Little and Big is critical to the growth and development of a child. But before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential Bigs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan adheres to the Standards of Excellence established by the national office of Big Brothers Big Sisters.  In order for each volunteer to become a Big Brothers or Sister they are required to complete an extensive screening process that includes:
  • Completing a written application
  • Background & reference checks
  • An in-person interview
  • An orientation and training process that outlines the individualized needs of your child and provides information and resources on how to encourage your child's development

​Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child's Big. It’s the best way to build a strong relationship that will have the greatest impact on your child’s future success.
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