Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How long does it take to be matched?

Once you are accepted, we’ll look to see if we have any children waiting who we believe would make a good match for you. When we think we’ve found a good match, we’ll contact you and share the child’s profile to see what you think. If you agree with our suggestion, we’ll schedule a “Match Introduction” where you will be introduced to your new Little Brother or Little Sister.

Again, our emphasis is placed on finding the right match for you, so this process may take some time. If we don’t have a child on our waiting list that is an immediate match for you, we’ll place you on a waiting list, and will contact you as soon as we believe we have a match. We request that you stay in touch with us, and let us know if you move, change workplaces, or change phone numbers while we are looking for the right Little for you.

Q: What do Bigs and Littles do together?

The program is flexible: you can make it fit your schedule. There are no mandatory activities: you can do what you and your Little enjoy:

• Some Bigs take their Littles to cultural events, like plays, the opera, and the ballet.
• Some Bigs take their Littles to see the Mariners, to play catch in the park, or go bike riding.
• Some Bigs take their Littles on errands – to pick up groceries and laundry.
• Some Bigs and Littles cook, make crafts, or just hang out together.

Q: I don’t know much about kids—is that okay?

You bet! Previous experience working and/or volunteering with children is preferred; however, we have volunteers who come from a variety of backgrounds. What is most important is to have a desire to be a mentor in the life of a child.

Q: How do children come into the program?

Children and their parents or guardians may hear about BBBS from a teacher, a counselor, their church, another parent, a friend, commercials, etc. All children and their parents choose to be in our program and we strive to reach the children can benefit from a positive role model in their life.

Q: Who are the children in the program?

Our Littles come from many types of home environments and family structures, different social-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds and neighborhoods and schools across all communities. We have boys and girls in our program. We try to match Bigs with Littles of the same sex—currently our greatest need is male volunteers. Our Littles’ backgrounds and personalities are unique, but the thing they all share in common is a need for friendship with a caring adult.