Programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington is a private, nonprofit, mentoring agency that matches adult volunteers with children for friendship, support and guidance. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington currently offers several different mentoring programs for you to choose from.

Community-Based Mentoring Program: Volunteers ages 18 or older from Whatcom County are matched with children ages 6-14 in a one on one relationship. Community Based mentors agree to spend 6-12 hours each month with a Little Brother or Sister for at least twelve months. Occasional group match activities are offered.

Mentoring Children of Promise Program: Volunteers are matched with a child who has a parent or significant adult in their life incarcerated in prison. The match participates in the Community-Based program, agreeing to spend 6-12 hours with each other each month doing a variety of activities available in the community. Volunteers receive extra orientation and training to help them help their little with the struggles that they may be having in their life.

School Buddies Program: Volunteers are matched with students from local Elementary Schools for the academic school year. Volunteers agree to spend one hour each week with a Little Brother or Sister at their school during class or lunch periods or immediately before or after school. Time together may be spent working on homework, class projects or participating in recreational activities. Volunteers are not required to have a car, but are expected to transport themselves to and from their Little Brother or Sister’s school.
Our School Buddies Program currently serves the following schools:

What is a Big Brother/ or Big Sister?
A Big Brother or Big Sister is an individual that provides companionship for a child that is in need of someone to talk to, have fun with, and someone to just spend some quality time with.

Who is a Little Brother or Little Sister?
A Little Brother or Little Sister are youths who are between the ages of 5-14 at the time of application and usually come from single-parent homes, and are in need of some guidance and companionship. They are matched with a volunteer that has been thoroughly screened and shares common interests and personality traits.

What does the agency provide?
Big Brothers and Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the United States, matching caring adults with children in one-to-one relationships. Our professional staff provides:

• A thorough application and interview process for volunteers
• A case manager that regularly monitors each match, helps solve problems, and offers support and services as needed
• Training for both the “Bigs” and “Littles”
• An opportunity to make BIG difference in the lives of children