They have the potential to change the world.
ENROLL YOUR CHILDCould Your Child Benefit from a Mentor?
After just 12 months in the BBBSPGH program, most mentees show improvement in the following:
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63%
REPORTED HIGHER FEELINGS OF SOCIAL SUPPORT
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90%
REPORTED DISAPPROVAL OF RISKY BEHAVIORS
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87%
REPORTED HIGH EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
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98%
REPORT SATISFACTION WITH THEIR MENTOR
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STEP 1
Eligibility
STEP 1
Eligibility
Child lives in Allegheny, Washington, or Greene County. Child must be 6 to 13 years of age.
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STEP 2
Complete Application Process
STEP 2
Complete Application Process
Complete application here. For additional questions or if you need a mailed application contact Andrew at 412.204.1249 or
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STEP 3
Child Safety
STEP 3
Child Safety
Parents/Guardians must complete an online training on child safety
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STEP 4
Home Visit
STEP 4
Home Visit
Conduct an in-person interview with our professional staff so we can help determine your child’s future Big.
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STEP 5
Ready to be Matched
STEP 5
Ready to be matched
BBBSPGH staff members will carefully search for the perfect Big for your child
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STEP 6
Get Matched & Meet Your Big
STEP 6
Get Matched & Meet Your Big
When we find the perfect Big for your child, we’ll contact you to ensure it’s the right fit.
FAMILIES AS PARTNERS
Parents and guardians are not just part of the process, they’re part of the success.
When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we’re all in this together. So it should come as no surprise that we need the parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match.
Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs, but you’ll also approve the selection of the Big Brother or Big Sister. Once the match is made, you remain closely involved in many ways, including:
- Approving activities and outings for your child and their Big
- Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the agency staff
- Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency on a regular basis (Big Brothers Big Sisters will contact you, but we welcome your feedback any time)
- Participating in training on child safety offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, and communicating with your child about the training he or she receives.
CHILD SAFETY
Making the best possible match between Little and Big is critical to the growth and development of a child. But before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential Bigs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence require each volunteer to complete an extensive screening process that includes:
- Completion of a formal written application
- Background and reference checks
- An in-person interview
- An orientation and training process that outlines the individualized needs of your child and provides information and resources on how to encourage your child's development
Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child's Big. It’s the best way to build a strong relationship that will have the greatest impact on your child’s future success.