Mentoring Changes Lives
Through regular time spent together, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee. The relationship is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced mentoring coordinators. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.
How does it work?
When applying for our programs, a mentee must be between the ages of 6 and 16 years. The mentoring relationship can be supported by the agency through to 18 years of age, free of cost.
A Mentoring Coordinator will work with you and your child to review your situation and determine how a mentor would be of benefit.
What are the potential benefits of a match with a BIG / MENTOR?
Having a mentor may help young people become more confident as self-esteem improves. They may be able to make decisions with more
confidence, feel more supported, learn to get along better with their peers, improve behaviour while in school and improve academic performance.
Children have the opportunity to form a life-long friendship with an adult role model as well as opportunities to try and to learn new things and have new experiences.
Who are the BIGS / MENTORS?
Bigs/Mentors are volunteers 18 years of age or older except for those involved in the In-School Teen Mentoring program. They are reliable people who care about and enjoy spending time with children and can relate well to them. They are screened, trained and supervised by BBBS staff.
OUR PROGRAMS
Traditional Community Based Mentoring – The Traditional Mentoring program provides youth with a role model to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee. The Traditional Mentoring program usually requires two regularly scheduled outings a month of several hours each and a minimum of a one year commitment.
In-school Mentoring (in person or virtual) – The In-School Mentoring program provides youth with an adult role model or a grade 11/12 student from partner schools to talk to and share the experiences of growing up within school grounds. For one hour a week, in-person mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hang out on school grounds. The Virtual In-School Mentoring program matches classrooms of students with high school classrooms in one to one matches and requires story reading and letter writing through a monitored platform for the duration of the program. Matches in both programs do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.
Group Mentoring – Go Girls! and Game On! are group mentoring programs that focus on physical activity, balanced eating and self-esteem. Participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles.
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves hundreds of children from Sussex to St. Stephen. Visit their website at https://saintjohn.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/.
Saint John/ Sussex (506) 635-1145
St. George (506) 567-2002
St. Stephen / St. Andrews (506) 465-9771
