Quick FAQ's

What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County has been linking children and adults in one-to-one friendships for over 25 years.  We are part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and a youth program of Johnson County Extension.  We have options for children and volunteers to participate in long-term (minimum of 12 months) one-to-one matches or our school based mentoring program, School Buddies, in which an adult and child are matched for the school year.  Our goal is to match children with adults in order to provide positive role models.

What is a one-to-one match?  A fun friendship!
Boys are matched with males, females, couples, or families.  Girls are matched with females.  Volunteers complete a thorough screening process, including volunteer orientation and a personal interview.  Parents or guardians and children participate in an orientation and interview as well.  A professional case manager is involved in every step of the matching process.  A professional case manager stays in contact with all members of the match throughout the relationship.

What is School Buddies?  A chance to do fun things with an adult friend during school!
In the School Buddies program, adult volunteers make a commitment to visit with a child one hour per week at their school.  Volunteers make this commitment for the duration of the school year.

Which children can participate?  Children that want to have fun!
Children in long-term matches must be 6 years of age when they are matched.  They can participate until age 18.  The parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and the child must voluntarily participate.  Many children in need of a mentor come from homes with one adult, but the only requirement is that a child must need an additional adult role model.  There are no income requirements.  No transportation is needed.

Children in the School Buddies program are in elementary school and are referred by school personnel and/or their parents/guardians.

Who volunteers?
Volunteers for one-to-one matches are between 18 and 80+ years of age.  Volunteers need to be in the area for the next year (some time away is okay) and be able and willing to meet with a child on a consistent basis.  A car or dependable access to a car with insurance and a valid driver's license is required.