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BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
OF SOUTH TEXAS
Address:
202 Baltimore, San Antonio, Texas 78215
Phone Number: (202) 225-6322 Email: Info@BigMentor.Org
[ A Mentor's Role ] [ Programs ] [ Match Memories ] [ Getting Started ]
Becoming
a Mentor
The Kids We Serve
The Volunteer Process
The Mentoring Relationship
General Questions
BECOMING
A MENTOR
What is the role of the Big Brother or Big
Sister?
A Big Brother or Big Sister is an unconditional caring friend to a child
in our program. The volunteer mentors on a one-to-one basis. The mentor
shows consistency and concern so that this child knows that someone cares,
and that it's O.K. to trust. Volunteers are not expected to take time out
of their schedules, but rather look at what they are already doing, and
see how they could incorporate a child into their day.
What mentoring programs do you offer?
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers two types of mentoring programs:
Community-Based and Site-Based mentoring programs. Both of these programs
offers volunteers a chance to be a Big Brother, Big Sister, or a Big
Couple to a Little Brother or Little Sister.
[ Mentoring Programs ]
What are the aspects of the mentoring programs?
Our programs provide positive role models for children who need extra
support. These role models encourage their "littles" to do their
best in school, at home and in their community. Every "little"
benefits from being matched to a volunteer.
[ Success
Outcomes ]
Do you offer information and training?
We offer information to volunteers from the initial contact
with our agency. Part of the screening process includes a personal
interview. At this interview, the Case Manager will talk with the
volunteer to find the right mentoring program and the aspects involved.
Before the volunteer is matched, a training session is conducted about the
types of young people they will be mentoring and what to expect from their
match. We even offer on-going volunteer enrichment sessions, so that
volunteers have an opportunity to meet other "Bigs" , This
discussion group meets every other month to discuss match experiences
and/or challenges.
Will I make a good mentor?
Adults have a wealth of life experience and knowledge to share
with children and everyone has something to offer as a mentor. If you are
a person who cares about the community around you and have some time to
devote on a regular basis to a child, you could be a mentor. We're not
looking superstars. These kids just need a friend they can talk to - a
normal, stable, caring, positive person. Big Brothers Big Sisters has a
diverse group of kids who need a diverse group of mentors.
Do the kids want to have a Big Brother or Big
Sister?
Yes. We talk to each young person before entering our program - about the
expectations, the relationship and the rewards. We won't enroll young
people in our program unless they have made a choice to become a part of
Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Do the parents want this program for their
children?
Yes. Just like our children, the parent must also want this rewarding
relationship for a son or daughter. We also educate the parent about
expectations and the relationship. Our mentoring program has an excellent
reputation in the community as well as the nation. Currently, we have over
250 kids on the Wait List.
I'm ready to be a Big Brother, Big
Sister or Big Couple!
BIG
COUPLES PROGRAM
We're interested in your Big
Couples mentoring program, but we're not married. Can we still volunteer
together?
Big Brothers Big Sisters understands intimate relationships are
diverse, and couples might be in various stages of their relationship. We
are looking for couples who have made a lifetime commitment to each other
and want to volunteer their time together. We assess the volunteer
abilities of each couple on a case-by-case basis.
As a Big Couple, can we ever do an activity
one-to-one with our Little?
Yes, but this program focuses on the Little benefiting from
both mentors, most of the activities will include all three people. The
kids in these matches will benefit from observing a positive marital
relationship.
We're ready to be a "Big
Couple"!
HIGH
SCHOOL "BIGS" PROGRAM
Can teenagers volunteer?
Yes. Our High School "Bigs" Program is designed
especially for high school students at local area high schools. These
volunteers want to be mentors to young kids. This offers students the
chance to provide community service while enjoying being a mentor.
What do I do as a High School "Big"?
You are matched with a Little Brother or Little Sister
(elementary-aged) and you enjoy scheduled time together. You would help
teach a character development curriculum to your "little". By
being there and being their friend, you help younger kids gain a
positive attitude and self-esteem.
I'm
ready to be a High School "Big"!
SCHOOL-BASED
MENTORING PROGRAM
Can businesses get involved in any of your
mentoring programs?
Absolutely. We maintain partnerships with several area
businesses, both small and large, like Frost Bank, UTHSC, and Our Lady of
the Lake University. Associates from these businesses volunteer
individually in our school-based program. This mentoring program works
wonderfully to increase company unity and raise employee morale.
How does this mentoring program work?
In this program, associates from these companies volunteer to
spend about an hour a week with a Little Brother or Little Sister at a
grade school for the 9-month school year. Our case manager communicates
with the volunteer and school professionals to assess how the mentoring
relationship progresses. Kids benefit greatly from the time mentors spend
with them.
Do I have to work on homework and tutor?
You do not have to remember algebra equations or subject-verb
agreement. This relationship is based on spending time together. For an
hour each week, the mentor engages the child in various activities such
as: going over homework, talking, eating lunch together or reading
together. Each volunteer brings unique qualities to the relationship as a
mentor and the child benefits from having a role model.
How many school-based mentors do you have?
At the end of this Fiscal Year (June 30, 2001), 75 school
mentors were in place at the elementary schools. The agency has some very
aggressive site-based growth goals in place for our upcoming year. We
expect to have over 300 mentors spending quality time with our
"littles". Our corporate partners will be the forces that help
drive our mentor numbers.
What are the requirements to volunteer?
All of our mentoring programs have the same one requirement: an
earnest interest from the volunteer to make a difference in a kid's life.
Volunteers complete the same application and interview with one of our
staff.
How will I get feedback if I'm doing a good job?
Our Big Brothers Big Sisters staff member will maintain regular
contact with each volunteer to assess the volunteer's satisfaction and to
make sure the relationship is progressing.
How will I know what to do weekly?
We will provide ideas, suggestions, and activities you can use
when you meet with your Little Brother or Little Sister.
What changes are expected from this school-based
program?
We have found children with school-based mentoring
relationships tend to do better than their peers in many areas. Their
attendance goes up and they are graduated to the next grade level at
higher rates. Kids in our mentoring program also improve their
relationships with peers as well as authority figures.
What do I do about questions/concerns?
Each volunteer is assigned to a case manager. She/he is the
resource person for volunteers and helps track the students and their
progress. This case manager makes contact with volunteers by phone or
e-mail on a regular basis. The volunteer is welcome to call the office to
speak with their case manager to discuss the particular situation and
offer advice and support.
What happens after the school year?
In some cases, the mentors and kids say "good-bye."
However, depending on the age of the Little and the choice of the
volunteer, they can return again the next year in the same mentoring
relationship. Volunteers can choose to return for another year with the
same Little, be matched with another Little or elect to volunteer in one
of our other mentoring programs.
Can I interact with the children outside of the
school?
No. In our school-based mentoring program, all activities take
place in the school setting. However, on occasion, we might organize an
activity for all the mentors and Littles from one school during summer
break.
Do the schools want this?
Absolutely! We have more demand than mentors. The school
officials, the parent and the student all must want to be in the program.
Although we target the kids in the school who would benefit most, all of
these parties must agree with the young person's participation in the
program.
I'm ready to be a "Big" in
the School Mentor Program!
[Top of Page ]
[ A Mentor's Role ] [ Programs ] [ Match Memories ] [ Getting Started ]
THE
KIDS WE SERVE
Who are the kids you serve at Big Brothers Big
Sisters?
The children are from 7-14 years old and live in single-parent
homes throughout San Antonio and surrounding areas. Whether it's from
death or divorce, many of these kids are lacking the adult role modeling
they need and are at-risk for certain behaviors. These children are not
"placed" with us.
What does "at-risk" mean?
Children from single-parent homes often grow up feeling
hopeless and angry and may resort to high-risk behaviors that often set
them on a course of self-destruction. One in four children are growing up
in single-parent homes, often lonely and depressed, without adequate
opportunities to be engaged by adults in positive activities and social
relationships. The experts tell us the wide variety of factors can be
overcome. Big Brothers Big Sisters has proven results that show mentors
are essential for a child's success in achieving in spite of these
challenges.
Where do the kids come from? What are their
backgrounds?
Most of our children are from single-parent homes, low to
middle income level and live everywhere in our four-county service area.
Many have siblings in the home, so a family might have two or three
children receiving services from Big Brothers Big Sisters. Our children
vary in age, ethnicity, and nationality.
How old are the children you serve?
Big Brothers Big Sisters begins serving kids once they reach
seven years old. We will match them in mentoring relationships through
their late teen years, and stop monitoring these services at their 18th
birthday, or when they graduate or receive a GED. However, we must stop
taking applications from youth when they turn 14. Why? We'd like to give
the mentor an opportunity to spend some time with the child before the age
of 18.
How long do children wait to be matched to a Big?
There are currently over 250 kids on a waiting list and about 90%
of them are boys who have no father or male role models in their lives.
Boys typically wait 1-2 years before they get a Big Brother because we
have a shortage of male volunteers. Girls do not wait as long as boys
because there are not as many of them placed in the program by parents.
Where do you get the kids? How do they find out
about the agency?
Their parents hear about the program the same way volunteers do
and come to us on a voluntary basis. Media. Word of mouth. Other social
service agencies. School counselors, teachers and administrators. There
will always be children in our communities who could benefit from having a
mentor.
Are these kids in trouble with the law?
No. Our program is a prevention model. Some simply have a poor
self-esteem, while others face issues like poor school attendance. These
kids just need an extra friend.
What other types of issues do these kids face?
Our kids might be at-risk for dropping out of school or hanging
out with the "wrong crowd." They might not do well in social
situations, or could have trouble relating to their peers. Some possess
sibling rivalry, while others just feel lonely. It is tough to be a kid
today. Having a mentor to look up to and talk with makes the journey a
little easier.
Do I have a choice in the child I want to mentor?
We match mentors with youth based on a variety of things. Our
professional staff considers the strengths offered by the volunteer and
the needs of each child. We look at personality types, interests, family
history and life goals. With the professional assessment of our staff and
the fine-tuned method of matching, we ensure the mentoring relationship
will be successful and lasting.
Do the parents pay for this service?
No. Big Brothers Big Sisters offers its volunteer and
professional services at no cost to the parent.
How do you enroll a child?
It's easy. A parent can call, e-mail
or fax our agency. We will talk to the parent about the criteria for being
involved and the parent completes an application. After the parent has
been oriented and we have received the child's application, a case manager
interviews the parent and child. The child then goes on the Wait List
until we have found the right mentor.
[Top of Page ]
[ A Mentor's Role ] [ Programs ] [ Match Memories ] [ Getting Started ]
THE
VOLUNTEER PROCESS
What are the volunteer steps?
First, we must receive your application. We begin to process
the paperwork, including sending your four references a short
questionnaire about you. For community-based mentors, we will also check
your background and driving record. This ensures we match the safest
volunteers with our kids. Then, a staff member will call you to set up a
time to interview or schedule the personality evaluation.
For school-based mentors, we interview at our office or company. We'll ask
you questions about your background, hobbies and life goals - this helps
us know you better and match you with a Little Brother or Little Sister.
Then your application is reviewed by our screening committee. Once
accepted, our staff begins the matching process of connecting you to a
child who needs a mentor.
[ Getting
Started ]
How long does the process take?
It depends on each phase of the process. Usually, once your
application is in our office, the process only takes four to eight weeks.
How do you check a volunteer's background?
The state runs the report on a volunteer's background. This is
nothing to fear. We are working with kids and we put their health and
safety first. The background report will provide information that would
alert us if someone desires to volunteer with the wrong intentions.
Why do you need a copy of my drivers' license and
auto liability card?
Except for our school-based mentoring program, you will
probably transport the Little Brother or Little Sister in your automobile.
Our national organization requires us to have proof of your driving
ability and coverage on file.
What do you ask references about me?
We are only afforded few opportunities to learn about you. In
order to make the best possible match for you in our mentoring programs,
this information is crucial. Your supervisor and three friends will know
you well. We ask them to tell us about you and the
characteristics/strengths they think you can offer as a mentor. This is
step holds up applications from progressing. Tell your references they
need to return the questionnaire promptly so you can complete the process
quickly.
My references are out of town. Can you contact
them?
Yes. We send the questionnaire by mail or fax. We are prepared
to receive it back by those methods, too. Once again, the sooner they
complete it, the sooner you will progress through the volunteer process.
What questions does the interviewer ask me?
This professional asks questions about you, your history and
background, your job and hobbies - generally your life. We promise you
will know the answers better than anyone! This information will give us an
idea of who you are and the strengths you could offer to a Little Brother
or Little Sister. Knowing as much about you helps us make a great match.
Why do you visit my home?
For community-based relationships, we want to ensure it is a
safe and child-appropriate place. After your case manager determines your
Little Brother or Little Sister is ready, the child might spend some time
in your home. This will be an unfamiliar place to the child and we want to
ensure he or she will feel comfortable.
When do I meet my Little?
After the volunteer matching process is complete, a case
manager will call you to set up an introduction at the home of the child.
You will meet the Little and family members. The professional will cover
some details about the relationship, and you will spend some time with
your Little. After that, you begin planning activities on your own.
For school-based mentors, we will set up an introduction to the Little at
the school. We will then work with the mentor to find the right times
during the week that the little can meet with the volunteer.
[Top of Page ]
[ A Mentor's Role ] [ Programs ] [ Match Memories ] [ Getting Started ]
THE
MENTORING RELATIONSHIP
("COMMUNITY-BASED")
What activities do you do with a Little?
It's not what you do, it's that you spend time together. The
relationship is built on getting to know each other and creating a
supportive friendship. This volunteer experience allows you to incorporate
the Little into your schedule. On a Saturday, maybe you plan to pick up
dry cleaning, go wash the car, run by the grocery and take in an afternoon
movie … just take your little along with you. It's that easy!
What are some typical activities?
Playing a sport. Watching a movie. Playing video games.
Enjoying a museum. Seeing a game. Running errands. Performing a community
service. Flying a kite. Taking a walk in the park. Visiting the library.
Visiting your work place. The activities vary according to the interests
of you and your Little.
Do I have to spend a lot of money?
No. In fact, we encourage free and low-cost activities … we
do not want your volunteer experience to become a financial burden. We
even encourage the parent to provide means for the child, when possible.
The agency is strongly supported by the community … we usually have
Spurs tickets during the season, movie passes, bowling passes, tickets to
the Children's Series at the Majestic, etc. All free tickets/passes are on
a first come first served basis … all you need to do is check in with
your case manager on a regular basis and we'll be happy to reserve your
tickets/passes. It's that easy!
What if I run out of activity ideas?
We're here to help and support you. At your volunteer training,
you will receive a page and a half full of ideas that have been culled
over the years. Check your newsletter for Special Events for matches. We
even have a recorded FunLine to call after business hours with upcoming
events and activities.
How often do I get together with my little?
We encourage mentors to meet with their Little Brother or
Little Sister weekly. This might be a quick bite to eat one weeknight, or
maybe a few hours on Sunday. The consistency in the relationship is what
counts!
How long do most matches last?
We only ask for a one-year commitment in most of our mentoring
programs. We find, however, many matches last longer. Our average
mentoring relationship lasts two years.
How do you match?
A volunteer and child are "matched" based on common
interests and location in the city. Once there is a possible match, an
agency caseworker evaluates the ages, interests, and personalities of the
Big and Little to see if they will "fit" together. When they
have been introduced and have begun their new relationship, they are a
"match."
Do you match me with a child of my own race?
We pair up mentors and youth based on a successful relationship
- one that provides positive, supportive friendship and offers benefits
for the young person. We look for mentors who are open, flexible, and
diverse. However, we do lack in numbers of African-American and Hispanic
mentors for Little Brothers and Little Sisters.
What type of relationship will I have with
her/his parent?
The parent's role in the relationship is essential for success.
This parent must support the mentoring relationship. You will schedule
with the parent regarding outings. She might share information about her
child's school, grades or siblings. You will both have the youth's best
interest at heart, and most conversations will revolve around the Little
Brother or Little Sister.
What happens when I'm on vacation, TDY, or on
extended travel for work?
Your relationship continues, just like any other. Although you
won't see your Little when you vacation or travel for business, you still
maintain contact. A phone call or postcard when you're away will seem to
shorten the time until you return.
How is a match supported?
Our agency ensures each mentoring relationship receives support
from a trained professional. Your case manager will provide guidance
during your match, and can offer direction concerning the relationship,
activities, and goals.
How do I get feedback of how I'm doing?
Your case manager will tell you the ways you're helping as the
relationship progresses. Contacting your case manager regularly, by phone
or e-mail, helps you feel good about the positive experience you are
having in your mentoring relationship.
What if something comes up in my match I am not
sure how to handle? What do I do?
This is the point where your case manager is essential. She or
he has the training and education to deal with issues arising from the
relationship. The case manager can offer tips, direct you to training, or
even refer the youth to other services, if necessary. Remember, you are
just a friend, a mentor. We do not expect you to be a case manager, child
psychologist or superhero.
Can my spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend do activities
with me and my Little?
Again, our focus is on the one-to-one relationship between
mentor and youth. Although your Little will become comfortable with you,
that might not be so if another person is consistently along. However, our
Big Couples program do incorporate two adults. These programs might suit
your lifestyle better.
Can my children come on outings with me and my
Little?
We discourage volunteers from including their own children in
all their activities. This allows the mentoring relationship to be unique
and does not raise issues like jealousy or rejection.
What if my Little and I don't hit it off?
We encourage mentors to wait on assessing the match until the
relationship develops. Trust and friendship will not be built on your
second outing. Our professionals have done a thorough job of creating your
mentoring relationship and their experience provides the basis for pairing
people. Ninety-nine point nine percent of the time our matches work. When
they do not, we work to ensure we create another situation where everyone
feels positive.
Can I take my Little to my parent's home, a
friend's party or to a church activity?
At some point in the relationship, special activities like
these might be appropriate. Your case manager will assess when the time is
right for the youth and the relationship, then you will move to this next
level. Some children need more time to feel comfortable in these
situations, so always refer to your case manager.
Can the Little come to my house?
Again, the case manager will determine the most appropriate
time in your relationship for beginning home visits. Your Little might not
have the same home environment you do, and your professional will assess
when the time is right for your Little to be invited to your home. It's
really all about the child's comfort and developmental level.
When does the relationship stop? Why?
We hope we have created a friendship that can last a long time.
Mentoring does not have a time frame, even though we only ask for a
one-year commitment in most cases. However, people move away, life changes
take place, other issues arise, - relationships end for a variety of
reasons. In addition, once a child in our program turns 18 or graduates,
we cease monitoring the match. In many cases, the mentor and youth
occasionally keep in contact.
If my relationship with my Little Brother or
Little Sister stops, can I be matched to another?
Yes. After mentoring one youth, you can develop another
mentoring relationship. We will take you back through the process and find
another young person who will benefit from having you as a Big Brother or
Big Sister.
[Top of Page ]
[ A Mentor's Role ] [ Programs ] [ Match Memories ] [ Getting Started ]
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What
is your agency mission?
Big Brothers Big Sisters promotes the positive development of
at-risk youth from single-parent families by providing opportunities for
them to experience healthy, one-to-one relationships with caring adult
volunteers.
Why is mentoring important?
Mentoring is the act of offering support, guidance and
friendship to someone who could use a role model for life's choices and
decisions. By mentoring, people can help others reach goals and improve
self-esteem. When mentoring children, volunteers offer to help build a
strong foundation for youth as they grow.
What is a mentoring relationship?
This friendship develops from the programs created by Big
Brothers Big Sisters. It is based on trust, honesty, support and caring.
Why choose Big Brothers Big Sisters over others?
Big Brothers Big Sisters pioneered youth mentoring in 1904. We
are the industry leader in mentoring services to children. An independent
national study surveyed our programs and methods spanning a five-year
period. This research company found kids involved in Big Brothers Big
Sisters mentoring programs were more likely to graduate and stay out of
trouble when compared to their peers without mentors. They also found kids
improved their school grades and relationships with others. Ours is a
program with proven results.
How many affiliates exist nationwide?
More than 500 agencies are spread throughout North America. Big
Brothers Big Sisters of America even has partnerships with organizations
across the globe, with programs in Russia, Canada, and other major
countries.
How many people volunteer annually with your
organization?
Volunteers support every aspect of our agency. A volunteer
Board of Directors governs our organization. Volunteers support our
funding efforts and agency activities. In addition, of course, volunteers
are the essence of our mentoring relationships, offering their time in
both community-based
and site-based programs.
We have almost 570 volunteers in mentoring relationships alone.
What is your service area?
We serve a four-county area. Children in Bexar, Guadalupe,
Comal and Kerr counties receive services through our agency.
What is your greatest need?
We need volunteers. With more than 250
youth waiting for a mentor, we just can't recruit enough people to
volunteer. Moreover, to keep those mentoring relationships going, we need
funds to do it. The bottom line - more mentors, more dollars. This offers
more services to kids in need.
How many kids do you serve?
We serve about 570 children
annually in our mentoring programs.
How do I volunteer?
Actually the process is painless. Go to our application on this
web site. Print it and complete it or submit to us on-line. Send it back
to us, telling us which mentoring program you want. We ask a few people
about you, and ask you a few questions about yourself. Then we start the
application screening process.
Are there other Big Brothers Big Sisters
organizations in this area?
Yes. We have branch offices in New Braunfels and Seguin and a
satellite agency in Kerrville.
I don't have a car. Can I still volunteer?
Yes, in one of our Site-Based
programs.
I travel for work. Can I still volunteer?
Most of our programs ask for a six-month to one-year
commitment. We have found time consistency to be one of the most important
elements in being an effective mentor. Many of our Big Brothers and Big
Sisters fit their relationships into their flexible lifestyles. Some of
our programs are perfect for that busy corporate traveler. It's making the
right program choice for your lifestyle that counts.
Do you have a newsletter?
Six, in fact. Every other month, we offer news, accomplishments
and upcoming agency events in "News for Twos." This publication
mails to more than 3,000 of our friends, supporters, volunteers, community
leaders and corporate executives. Soon we will be providing our
newsletter online and auto-sending it to those who have joined our
email list.
I saw an ad that you really need minority
volunteers. Why?
Our agency matches mentors with kids based on the strengths of
the volunteer and the needs of the child. We do not base relationships on
ethnicity. However, we also realize children might benefit from having
mentors of their own race, to offer insight into culture and heritage.
Currently, 70 percent of our children are minority compared to only 30
percent of our volunteers. We especially need African-American and
Hispanic volunteers, with our greatest need being male mentors.
Why do you need more Big Brothers?
Predominantly, females volunteer more often and at a greater
rate than their counterparts. Most of the children waiting for a mentor
are boys (about 65 percent) and they could use a positive adult male to
look up to. Most of these boys are from female-headed households and have
no close male role models. That is why we focus our recruitment toward
men.
I'm in college. Can I volunteer?
Absolutely. Being a Big Brother or Big Sister can greatly add
to your collegiate experience. You have flexible time and spending that
time with a Little Brother or Little Sister would work well with a class
schedule. In fact, we would love to meet some of your college friends and
introduce them to the idea of mentoring. (By the way, some colleges offer
credit for community service when you volunteer - check with your campus
career office or volunteer center!)
Will you come to my sorority, social club, church
or business to make a presentation?
Of Course! Whenever you are interested in having one of our
agency representatives share our mission with others, contact us. We can
provide audio-visual presentations, videos, speeches, and materials about
Big Brothers Big Sisters. You can request a visit using this simple request
form or just send
us an email.
Do you need people to spread the word?
Absolutely. Tell friends about our web site. Educate community
members about our programs. Join the Recruitment Committee. Share our
mission and success with your employer, vendors and suppliers. If you and
only 249 more people volunteered, the number of Little Brothers and Little
Sisters waiting for mentors would drop to zero.
Besides volunteering, how can I help?
Head to our Donations page and read
about ways you can financially support Big Brothers Big Sisters - our
mission, our cause, our kids.
[ Top of Page ]
[ A Mentor's Role ] [ Programs ] [ Match Memories ] [ Getting Started ]
Reviewed/Updated: August 10, 2006