Get in touch
Phone - (859) 231-8181
Email - info@bbbs-bluegrass.org
GET A BIG
Are you and your child interested in enrolling with Big Brothers Big Sisters?
You’re in the right place. Fill out the simple form below and the Big Brothers Big Sisters enrollment team will follow up with you with more information and a customized link to your child’s online application. We are currently enrolling children (ages 6-13) in our Community-Based program. We are also enrolling children in 1st-5th grades for our School programs.
ENROLLMENT STEPS
We are currently enrolling children (ages 6-13) in our Community-Based program.
We are also enrolling children in 1st-5th grades for our School programs.
STEP 1
Inquire/Apply
Submit your information and BBBS will send you additional information and a customized link to your child’s online application
STEP 2
Complete Parent Training
BBBS of America requires all parents/guardians to complete a training prior to their child being matched. For your convenience, we have condensed the training into short videos.
STEP 3
Interview with You & Your Child
In order to make the best possible match for your child, we need to get to know you. The interview, which can be done in-person or by Zoom, allows us to get to know you and your child as well as tell you more about BBBS and answer your questions.
STEP 4
Meet The Big & Build a Friendship
Once we have a Big for Child, we will call to tell you all about them. Then Parents and Littles work with the Big to communicate and schedule outings.
STEP 5
Update & Communicate with BBBS
Families will receive support from our expert Match Support Specialists throughout the match.
One more caring adult
As a parent/guardian, you recognize your child’s uniqueness better than anyone. By enrolling them to be matched with a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, you start them on a path to new experiences, opportunities, and possibilities. That not only means you’re part of their success, it means you are vital to it!
- Taking part in child safety conversations led by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, and talking with your child about key need-to-knows
- Approving activities/outings for your child and their Big
- Talking with your child about those outings, and sharing insights with your Match Support Specialist
- Checking in with your Match Support Specialist about your child’s development on a regular basis
Read these stories about BBBSBG matches
FAQS
WHO ARE OUR BIGS?
Bigs are at least 18 years old for most of our programs (16+ for High School Bigs) and want to make a difference in the life of a child. These mentors are friends, role models, advocates and someone to stand with children as they realize their full potential.
HOW ARE BIGS SCREENED AND TRAINED?
Child safety, match consistency and positive outcomes are our top priority. The application process includes: application, confirmation of identity via social security number and drivers license, criminal history background check, driving record check, auto insurance verification, personal/family references, an extensive online interview and training, a home assessment, and ongoing volunteer training and support.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY?
The role of a family is very important: supporting the friendship, encouraging communication, developing your own relationship with the Big and being responsive to BBBS staff once your child is matched are all essential.
HOW DOES BBBS CHOOSE A BIG FOR MY CHILD?
Our team will learn more about both the Big and the Little at the interview and that will help us prepare for the matching process. Matches are made based on many factors. Our professional enrollment and matching team looks for Bigs that they think will be a good fit based on where they live, personality and interests, life experiences, academic and career interests, etc.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MY CHILD IS MATCHED TO A BIG?
That’s when the fun begins! Matches meet 3-4 times a month and stay in touch in between. Bigs and Littles choose when they hang out together and what they do (with parent permission, of course). You and your child will have a dedicated professional staff member throughout your child’s Match that will monitor the Match and offer resources for you and your family.
HOW LONG WILL MY CHILD BE MATCHED?
We ask for a minimum commitment of one year for each Match we make. That is often not the end, though — many of our friendships end up lasting a lifetime.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?
The BBBS program is free of charge to families and Bigs.
WHAT IF IT DOESN’T WORK OUT?
We do everything in our power to make a Match that we think will last. However, we realize that sometimes things come up — Bigs or Littles move, situations change, or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work out, we will end the Match. If this happens, your Match Support Specialist will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible.
GET CONNECTED
For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.