INQUIRE TO BE A BIG

INQUIRE NOW

We’re so glad you’re interested in becoming a big.


Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass serves children who want and need a mentor in their lives. BBBSBG matches Littles in ages 6-13 with Bigs in a one-to-one, life-changing friendship. Bigs and Littles hang out 3-4 times a month for a couple hours doing normal, everyday activities, like going to see a movie, playing games, going out to eat, or just hanging out! Each match is supported by a dedicated Match Support Specialist who is always there to provide resources and support specific to the Little’s age. With a Big in their life, children in the BBBSBG program are empowered to ignite their potential as they grow in their self-esteem, earn better grades, and develop a lifelong friendship with their Big.


It’s truly a fun, life-changing volunteer experience that gives the invaluable gift of your friendship. Here are the basic steps we need each of our volunteer applicants to complete.

STEP 1

INQUIRE

Interested in learning more about our programs and how you can be part of a life-changing friendship? Simply click below to complete a short inquiry form. Then, we'll send you additional information about BBBS and a customized link to your application.

INQUIRE NOW

STEP 2

Complete Training

Online for Convenience, Interactive, Takes About an Hour


Our online training platform makes the one hour, interactive pre-match training developed by BBBS of America easy and convenient to complete. This will help prepare you with additional information and tips for being the best Big you can be!

STEP 3

Complete Your Interview

This allows us to get to know YOU, answer YOUR questions, and match YOU with the RIGHT Little. Interviews take about an hour and can be conducted in-person or via Zoom at a time convenient for you.

STEP 4

Meet Your Little

After you are accepted, BBBS Staff will work to find the best Little for you.

STEP 5

Build A Friendship

Now the fun begins! Schedule outings with your Little and check-in with our team on a regular basis.

HEAR FROM OUR BIGS

Read these stories about BBBSBG matches

LOUIS AND DWIGHT


Louis and Dwight have been matched since July 2023 and continue to meet weekly, sharing a strong bond and excellent communication with Louis’ Parent/Guardian, Tamecko. Before being matched, Louis had waited 1,839 days for a mentor. Since then, Dwight has made it his goal to expose Louis to experiences beyond his daily life, taking him to places like the Kentucky Horse Park, Cabela’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

READ MORE

JA'ZAYAH AND JENN


Matched since April 2023, Ja’Zayah (LS) and Jennifer (BS) share a bond built on consistent meetings and creative experiences. Jennifer, inspired by her own childhood mentors, has introduced Ja’Zayah to unique activities like yoga, salt caves, arts and crafts, and festivals. Together, they’ve attended Black History events, Christian concerts, and even explored a dinosaur dig and the aviation museum.

READ MORE

KOSTON AND CORY

Matched for nearly two years, Koston and Cory have built a strong bond through consistent time together. Koston joined the program seeking a mentor to help him develop coping skills related to having an absent father and to provide support after overcoming a history of trauma. Cory, driven to make a positive impact, stepped into the role with dedication.

READ MORE

BEN AND AARON


Matched for two years, Ben and Aaron have built a strong connection centered around new experiences and personal growth. Ben enrolled in the program seeking a positive role model and opportunities to try new things after the loss of a parent. Aaron, motivated to make a difference, has supported Ben by introducing him to board games, sports like football and tennis, new foods, and even his first haunted house.

READ MORE

BIG FAQS

  • HOW DO YOU BECOME A BIG?

    You’ll start by providing some basic information in this form. A member of our Program Team will be in touch with more information and a personalized  link to your online application. Once your application is received, you’ll be contacted to schedule an interview (in-person & Zoom options available) with one of our enrollment specialists along with information on how to complete the interactive online training. After the interview, our staff will perform reference checks, a background check, and will review your driving record. If you are approved to become a Big (congratulations!), our staff will begin searching for prospective Littles for you. We make matches based on location, common interests, and other measures that are important to you, the LIttles, and their parents/guardians. This process generally takes about 30-45 days. Once a compatible match has been found, a staff member will contact you to tell you about the Little. With your approval, a Match Meeting will be set up so the two of you can meet!

  • WHO ARE THE BIGS IN THE PROGRAM?

    Our Bigs come from diverse backgrounds just like our Littles. They are regular people, just like you. You don’t need any special degrees or job skills. You just have to want to positively impact a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be a perfect fit. 

  • HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I SPEND?

    The quality of the time you invest with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. That’s why we don’t encourage spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens so you can inspire your Little to become something they never thought possible. If you are going to spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Play a game together, or share that pizza that you were going to have for lunch anyway. Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies offer donor-supported group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles. As a Big, you may also receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports activities for you both to enjoy.

  • WHEN CAN I SEE MY LITTLE?

    As a Big/Little team, you decide together what you want to do and then your Little gets approval from their Parent. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and get together on a regular basis. Your local agency will provide more guidance on this. The outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parents, your Little, and you.

  • WHAT ARE SOME GOOD IDEAS FOR OUTINGS WITH MY LITTLE?

    Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a book and read together. Buy a comic book to read together. Play a board game. Go on a nature walk. Hit a bucket of golf balls at the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the radio on and talk about the music you like. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Most important: keep it simple and enjoy yourselves! 

  • WILL I BECOME A REPLACEMENT PARENT?

    No, Littles have a parent or guardian in their life already. What they need is a Big, a positive older friend, to spend quality, one-on-one time with them. Someone to have fun with, someone they can confide in, someone like you!

  • CAN I BRING MY SPOUSE, A FRIEND, OR A FAMILY MEMBER ON OUTINGS?

    In the beginning it’s most important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you (with your Little’s Parent’s permission first, of course). Just keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little.

  • WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT CAN I EXPECT FROM BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS ONCE I GET MATCHED?

    Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. They’ll help you with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference.