FAQ
Will I get a Little Brother or a Little Sister?
Gulf Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters does not do cross gender matching. If you are a woman you will get a Little Sister and if you are a man you will get a Little Brother.
What will it cost for me to put my child in the program?
While Big Brothers Big Sisters is continually looking for support from donor and grant sources, this is a free service for parents.
Are Bigs professionals?
People who volunteer to be Big Brothers or Big Sisters come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all have an interest in helping children. All of the mentors volunteer their time and are not employees of the agency.
Does it cost a lot of money to be a Big?
Being a Big is not about handouts or a day out on the Big. While every once in a while Bigs do get things for their Littles, the reason for the relationship is to provide some quality one-on-one, individualized attention. The best activities for matches tend to be the ones with a lot of hanging out and talking. Most Bigs plan activities and get supplies for activities like baking, cooking, making crafts, and scrap booking. But, some Bigs find the time by including Littles in the activities they are doing already.
Can I include my spouse in the relationship?
The primary reason for being a Big is to give a child one-to-one attention. It is important to make sure the two of you take the proper time to bond before including anyone else in the relationship. After you feel the two of you have sufficiently bonded, it is OK to gradually introduce your spouse the match. Please be sure to have quality time, at every outing, where the you can give your Little one-to-one, individualized attention.
What if I want to go out of town for business or a vacation?
We understand that our Bigs may not be able to see their Little every week because sometimes you will be out of town. It is OK to have a Little and go on vacation. However, communication here is key. Both Match Support and your Little needs to know exactly what is going on and when they can expect you to come back.
What if my school semester changes?
If you are in the School-based mentoring program, and a student yourself, you may find you are unable to continue when your schedule changes. If the day is no longer good, but you would like to remain with the same child, you may go and meet with them in the cafeteria. If you can no longer go to the schools at all we may be able to find you a child in our Community-based mentoring program.
What’s the process to become a Big?
First there is an orientation and an interview. Then there is an application packet that someone will help you go through. Depending on what mentoring program you would like there may be a home assessment. After you leave Big Brothers Big Sisters staff members will check references and for criminal history. Based upon that you will be sent a letter of acceptance and shown the profile of Waiting Little and the agency will schedule a match meeting as soon as possible.
How do Little Brothers and Little Sisters get involved in the program?
Littles get involved with the program because the child has a desire to be in the program and a parent, counselor, doctor, or court official has recognized the need for a positive one-to-one mentoring relationship. Parents are free to inquire as to whether or not we are currently accepting Littles at any time, and regardless of who refers the child for our service, parent involvement is necessary.
What kind of experience do I need to be a mentor?
Bigs are friends, not counselors or tutors. Mentors in the best matches have good interpersonal skills and are committed to seeing their Little weekly.
What are the time commitments?
In the Community-based mentoring program Bigs are asked to see their Little at least three or four times per month, for the period of at least an hour; for the period of at least one year.
In the School-based mentoring program Bigs are asked to see their Little every week, except for school holidays; for one hours’ time, for the duration of the school year.
Does it cost a lot of money to be a Big?
Big Brothers Big Sisters staff will help you at every phase of your mentoring relationship. For both parents and volunteers, staff provides orientations and child safety awareness during the enrollment process. Then, once the match is sustained, the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Match Support Team is there for mentors, parents and children to provide constant advice and tips on maintaining the relationship.
Have a question that's not answered here?
Bowl for Kids Sake
How does BFKS work?
Companies, schools, churches, associations and other groups or individuals form teams of five people to participate in Bowl for Kids' Sake. You do not need to be a good bowler to participate... everyone wins when helping kids!
The designated team captain registers the team for the location, date and time agreed upon either on-line or by fax or mail. Each team member then seeks sponsors in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters through fun e-mails (provided online!) to friends, family and co-workers or by simply asking those they are acquainted with to support the children in our community.
Each bowler is asked to obtain $75 in sponsorship for their participation. That's only $7.50 from 10 friends or family members! The bowler sponsors can visit our website to provide their support for the bowler online or bowlers can collect the donations and bring them in their sponsor envelope to the event.
Bowlers enjoy two free games of bowling with shoes/ball provided, event t-shirts, prizes and lots of fun!
Who can participate?
Bowl for Kids' Sake is a family-friendly event open to all ages. Even small children can participate.
When and where is the event held?
Come bowl with us on April 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 2007 from 5pm to 9 pm at the Island Bowl. Island Bowl is located at 3424 Seawall Blvd. Galveston, TX 77550.
How do I register to bowl?
You can register online by clicking here. Pick a time, date and location that works best for you and then recruit four others to bowl with you. As a team captain, your complete information reserves your lane. You can even set a goal for your team for dollars raised! As you recruit others to bowl with you, they can register under your name as team captain. If you've been recruited by someone else to bowl, click on the link above and type in the team captain's name. You'll then be able to add your information to the team. Each team member can set their own goal for dollars raised.
What are some tips for getting sponsors?
For a fun and easy way to raise money for Bowl for Kids' Sake! An email can be broadcast to everyone on your personal address book. It takes only seconds and your work is done! If you want to raise even more in support of our kids:
- Ask family, friends and co-workers for support to reach the children on our waiting list for a Big Brother or Big Sister.
- Ask support from those you've supported recently (Girl Scout cookies, school fund raisers, magazine sales, etc.)
- Ask support from those professionals or retailers you visit frequently (i.e., your doctor, dentist, banker, cleaners, grocer, etc.)
How much of the money I raise will go directly to the children?
All expenses of Bowl for Kids' Sake are completely underwritten by our corporate partners; therefore, 100% of the money raised through team participation goes to support the children of our community.