DEVELOPMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS

Building Meaningful Connections with the BBBS Mentoring Toolkit

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we believe that strong relationships have the power to ignite potential. Developmental relationships—close, supportive connections—help young people discover who they are, build the skills to shape their own futures, and learn how to positively engage with the world around them. Yet, too many young people miss out on these powerful connections.

That’s why we focus on fostering relationships rooted in unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness. These core values are essential in every relationship—whether between mentors and mentees, parents and children, or staff and match participants. They form the foundation of developmental relationships and create lasting impact.
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To support these connections, we’ve created the BBBS Mentoring Toolkit—a resource designed to help mentors, parents, and supporters build strong, meaningful relationships that empower young people.

Click the link below to explore these core values, learn more about developmental relationships, and access the mentoring toolkit.
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When we invest in strong relationships, we invest in brighter futures. Let’s grow together!

WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Free & Low Cost Activities and Community Resources Calendar
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Other Resources

Prezi's

These are presentations compiled by BBBS staff/interns that will assist in your understanding of and gives tips and hints to successfully working with kids that:
​Other presentations include:

Online Trainings

BBBS Match Support Specialists have access to a number of webinars through our National organization to support Bigs and Parents support youth in their mentoring relationship and life.  Please be sure to ask during your next check-in call if you're looking for additional learning opportunities.

Resources for Families

BBBS Match Support Specialists can help access information and services for families through the Washtenaw County Resource and Referral Guide.  Information within this Resource Guide includes agencies/programs that can assist with:
  • Addiction Recovery
  • Clothing
  • Dental Care
  • Emergency/Hotline/Numbers to Know
  • Employment
  • Eye Care
  • Finanancial Assistance/Tax Prep
  • Food and Meals
  • Household/Personal/Medications
  • Housing
  • Immigrant Assistant/Resouces
  • Laundry
  • Legal Services
  • LGBTQI Services
  • Medical Care
  • Mental Health/Case Management
  • Older Adult Services
  • Service Animals
  • Telephone/Utility Assistance
  • Transportation
  • Veteran Services
  • Washtenaw County Numbers
  • Youth and Family Services
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County is committed to providing additional resources and training opportunities to our Bigs, Littles and Parents in order that you be most successful in creating a developmental relationship and have resources at your fingertips.  if additional information is needed, please reach out to us at 734-975-0933.