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Frequently Asked Questions
For Supporters
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the umbrella organization that supports local Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies throughout the country. Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Tampa Bay, Florida, BBBS of America sets standards of excellence for agencies to provide consistent, quality services in communities throughout the country.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area is one of over 235 BBBS agencies across the United States. Founded in 1964, we are a locally managed 501c3 non-profit organization based in Sacramento, CA. Our local agency receives guidance from the National organization on everything from child safety to data management but does not receive any direct funding from BBBSA, with the exception of national partnerships.
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We serve families in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Lake, Butte, Sutter, Colusa, Yuba and Glenn county.
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By supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area, you are investing in the future potential of youth in our community. Our mentoring programs change lives for the better and your donation helps us to create and support matches right here in the Greater Sacramento region. We have a proven method backed by many years of data that shows the tremendous impact a Big Brother or Big Sister can have on the lives of a young person. Research shows youth participating in the BBBS program are 46% less likely to being using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to start using alcohol and 52% less likely to skip school. In a survey of former Littles 90% said their relationship with their Big helped them make better choices throughout their childhood, 86% said their relationship with their Big has helped them make better choices throughout their adult life and 76% said they learned right from wrong from their Big.
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A mentor is a caring, responsible adult who acts as a role-model and supportive friend for a young person. By listening, giving advice and providing a constructive example, these people support a child’s development by simply being a positive presence in their lives.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the country’s largest evidence-based mentoring organization with over 100 years of experience and research that informs everything we do. Unlike some programs, we aren’t picking names off a list when we make a match. We put tremendous effort and care into each and every match we make. We get to know the interests, goals and needs of the Little as well as the strengths and interests of each Big. Our goal is for every mentoring pair to have a long-term harmonious relationship that is both meaningful and fun! But don’t just think of us as matchmakers. Here at BBBS we provide ongoing support and supervision to the Big, the Little and the Little’s family. Our mentoring pairs have a web of support that maximizes the likelihood that the relationship with thrive and ensures success for all parties involved!
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Other Ways to Partner: contact our CEO, Jacob Peterson, at jacob@bbbs-sac.org
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Yes, if a donation is made to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento area, it is tax deductible, as long as no service or product is received by the donor in return.
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Our EIN Federal Tax ID is 94-1559853.
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You can reach our team by calling 916.646.9300, sending an email to info@bbbs-sac.org, or following us on socials.
For Bigs
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A Big Brother or Big Sister is a volunteer mentor who develops and nurtures a positive, supporting relationship with a child who is enrolled in our program. Bigs provide youth with support, counsel, friendship, positive reinforcement and constructive example. A Big is an older, encouraging friend who helps a child realize their potential.
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As a Big, you have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering that child to achieve their full potential. Most of our Bigs tell us they get much more than they give.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters has a proven track-record of success and deep knowledge of how best to create and support our mentorship pairs. We achieve continued success of our program with a thorough screening and training process for our Bigs and a proven method for creating meaningful and successful matches.
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We ask our Bigs to commit to meeting with their Little 2-4 times per month, which should equate to a minimum of 6-8 hours a month. Each relationship is unique and takes time to develop, so we require our Bigs commit to a minimum of one year.
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During the application process, the only cost will be a background check, which is $40. Once you are matched with a child, you are expected to engage in free or low-cost activities with your Little. The emphasis is on spending quality time together. However, should you choose to do an activity with a cost, the expectation is that you cover the fee for you and your little. Our team will also share discounts, ideas and opportunities throughout the year for free and low-cost activities you can do with your Little.
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Big Brothers and Big Sisters must be at least 21 years old and live in one of the ten counties we serve. You must be a high-school graduate or hold a GED, have a valid driver’s license & current automobile insurance and meet specific criminal and driving history guidelines.
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At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we are looking for a diverse group of volunteers including age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status and ability. The youth and adults in our program represent a diverse array of all the above.
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We are not able to accept volunteers who have any felony conviction, any arrest matter currently pending, any violent crime toward a child, any misdemeanor conviction within the past 2 years, or any alcohol/drug related conviction within the past 3 years.
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At Big Brothers Big Sisters we are very thorough and thoughtful about our matching process. We conduct in-depth interviews and trainings with the Bigs, Little and the parents/guardians so we can get to know all parties and make the best match possible.
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In addition to your personal information, you will be asked to provide references, pass a criminal background check, and your driving record will be reviewed.
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This is a true matchmaking process, and we cannot guarantee exact wait times. In some cases, we are able to match you within as little as a month. For example, little applicant number one is not necessarily matched with big applicant number one. There are many factors that come into play such as interests, preferences, and location.
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Yes. Staff will explore preferences and specific characteristics in depth such as race, religion, personality, etc.
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Which activities you choose are not nearly as important as the time you spend together. Go to the library, check out a book and read together. Learn a new hobby. Play sports, ride bikes or go fishing. We emphasize spending quality time together and not money - Keep it simple and have fun!
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We emphasize a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Outings involving friends and family are allowed after six months have passed but should not occur on a regular basis.
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Being a Big requires a commitment to meet with your Little Brother or Little Sister at least 2-4 times a month for 4-6 hours. Many of our Bigs also stay in contact in other ways between outings (text, phone, Zoom).
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We ask for a minimum commitment of one year being matched. Many of our matches last well beyond one year and often turn into friendships that last a lifetime!
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We understand that sometimes there may be a Match that doesn’t fit all parties’ needs. Your trained Match Support Specialist will be there every step of the way to handle any questions, concerns, or problems that arise along the way. It is rare, but there are times when we must end a match.
For Families
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A Big Brother or Big Sister is a volunteer mentor who develops and nurtures a positive, supporting relationship with a child who is enrolled in our program. Bigs provide youth with support, counsel, friendship, positive reinforcement and constructive example. A Big is an older, encouraging friend who helps a child realize their potential.
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All children have amazing potential and the Littles in our program have the great benefit of having an adult role model and mentor in their lives who will help them recognize and realize that potential. Studies show 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 and feel better about themselves. Studies have also shown that long term physical health can be impacted by a trusted adult for the better.
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Your child’s Big Brother or Big Sister will plan outings and activities to do with your child at least one time per month which will ignite their potential and motivation to explore the complex world around them. There is no “typical” outing for our Matches, as each pair is entirely unique! Bigs are friends, and with a friend you might play sports, watch a movie, back cookies, hike, do school work, wash the car, volunteer in the community or just sit and talk. We encourage Bigs to provide opportunities for your child to be exposed to new things as well as to participate in activities they already enjoy. The most important part of a Big & Little’s outing isn’t the activity, it’s the time spent together.
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When we make a match between a Big and a Little, we want it to last! Mentoring relationships have the most positive impact on the child when they last at least 12 months. Because of this, we ask everyone involved to commit to at least one year. Many of our Matches last many years. Your child will spend a minimum 4-6 hours once a month with their Big Brother or Big Sister.
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There is no fee or cost for the families and Littles enrolled in the program.
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Although it is fast and simple to enroll your child, it may take some time to find just the right match. Children and adults are matched by their preferences, interests, personalities, location and BBBS staff’s professional opinion. We take great effort in not just finding any mentor for your child but finding the right mentor for your child. This can take time. We appreciate your patience during the waiting period and can’t wait to introduce you to your child’s Big Brother or Big Sister!
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Go to the "Enroll A Child" page on our website!
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Your child will receive safety support for the entirety of the match. Agency staff will be in contact with you, your child, and their mentor regularly to assess if the match is progressing well. Your child and their Big will occasionally have access to discounted or free activities provided by BBBS and the community.
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Families are active participants in our program! We ask that the parents or guardians of our Littles communicate openly with agency staff during their match support calls, that will be quarterly or monthly depending on the length and need of the match. We encourage you to ask questions to your child about the time they spend alone with their Big Brother or Sister, as well as stay in communication with your child’s Big to coordinate match meetings and build a rapport with them. We ask that the Little’s family member refrain from participating in outings with the Match, with the exception of special circumstances.
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The safety of your child always front and center. Ensuring child safety is a part of everything we do.
All Bigs complete an extensive screening process that includes
• Completion of a formal written application
• Criminal background check
• Reference checks
• A thorough in-person interview with trained staff
Additionally, our specially trained Match Support Specialists help ensure that the relationship between your child and their Big is developing in a healthy, safe way for everyone involved. They provide ongoing support and match supervision for the life of the match.
As a parent/guardian, you should also expect to be involved! We see parent/guardians as partners in keeping your child safe. You have input every step of the way! Parent/guardians approve the selection of their child’s Big and remain in close contact with BBBS professional staff to look out for the child’s best interests and safety. You will approve all activities and outings and are expected to communicate regularly with your child and their Big.
Everyone associated with our program, including professional staff, parents, volunteers, children and board members, is required to be trained in recognizing and responding to suspected child abuse.
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Young people ages 8 through 16 are eligible to enrollment as a Little Brother or Little Sister. Once matched, a child can remain matched until they turn 18 or graduate from High School, whichever comes last.
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Children enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Sacramento Area program must reside in Sacramento County, Yolo County or South Placer County (details?). They must be able to form a healthy relationship with an adult. There are no income requirements for your child to participate.
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Parents and guardians are essential partners in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. There are no eligibility guidelines for parent/guardians, but we do require parent/guardians to participate in pre-match interviews and required check-ins with a Match Support Specialist. We ask that you actively seek support or ask questions if you have any concerns while your child is participating in our program. The Big Brothers Big Sisters program doesn’t work without your support!
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We’re glad you asked!! Click HERE to get the process started online. If you have additional questions, you can contact NAME at PHONE NUMBER or EMAIL ADDRESS who can get you started!
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After you’ve submitted an application, you will be contacted by a Match Enrollment Specialist. We will schedule an interview with both you and your child via Zoom or In-office. The purpose of the interview is to get to know you, your child, and your family better, and to collect information about your child that will help us to determine the right Big to match them with. You and your child will be asked personal questions during the interview, which are designed to obtain the information we need to make the best possible match, and to ensure that your child’s involvement in our program is as beneficial as possible.
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When our Enrollment Team completes the interview with you and your child, we will determine a potential match with a Big Brother or Big Sister. When we think we’ve found a good match, we will share non-identifying information about your child with the Big, and we’ll share non-identifying information about the Big with you and your child. After sharing that information, both you and the Big are able to approve or reject the potential match. If both you and the Big approve of the potential match, the match becomes “official.” Our staff will set up a “match meeting” where you and your child will get to meet with the Big in-person. A BBBS staff member will be there to help facilitate the meeting. At this point, you will be assigned a BBBS Match Support Specialist, who will provide ongoing support to you and your child.
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It depends on many factors. We always want our matches to succeed, which means we will take as much time as is needed in finding the best Big for each Little. This means that your child could be placed on a waiting list until we are able to find the best match for them. Typically, it takes longer to match boys with Big Brothers than it takes to match girls with Big Sisters, because there are more women who volunteer as mentors than men. If your child is placed on the waiting list, we will remain in touch with you and we will provide periodic opportunities for your child to participate in fun activities with our staff and other Littles who are waiting.
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During the interview process, we will ask all parties involved about what they are looking for in the match. Your preferences for your child’s Big will be taken into account when selecting their mentor. It is important to understand that there are many components that go into finding a great match for your child. Our trained Match Enrollment Specialists will consider requests from all parties, but they will make a final match determination based on a large variety of factors. Ultimately, you will have the option to approve or decline the potential match.
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We do everything in our power to make a Match that will last and most do. However, we understand that sometimes there is a Match that isn’t working out for any number of reasons. Efforts will be made to address any situation that arises and find appropriate solutions. Your Match Support Specialist will be there every step of the way to handle your questions or concerns about your match. It is rare, but there are times that we must end a match. Our staff is here to support you and will ensure it is handled in the best possible way for all parties involved. If the Match is in the process of closing, your Match Support Specialist will ask if you would like your child to continue with the program and be re-matched. Once we have confirmed your child’s continued interest, your Match Support Specialist will be in contact with the Enrollment Specialist to re-assess your child’s interests and match them with a new Big! While we can’t guarantee that your child will be Matched immediately with a new mentor, it will become our priority to find one and facilitate the process.