What is Big Brothers Big Sisters?
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit agency that matches children with adults who assist the child by simply being a caring, supportive friend.  Heart of Iowa is one of 230 agencies around the world (yes, we spread to 11 other countries, as well). We aim to help remove barriers, offer new experiences, and give support through their highs and lows. 
What is a 'Big'?
    • Being a “Big” involves spending time with a young person and fostering a healthy, positive friendship. Through this mentoring program, a Big Brother or Big Sister can open a world of possibilities and opportunities for a “Little” simply by being a genuine friend. We ask Bigs to volunteer for 2-4 hours a month for at least one year. It may be more, it may be less, but we do want the child to see their “Big” each month. Many of these children lack stability in their lives, so this is of utmost importance. You can apply online to be a Big at any time!
What is a 'Little'?
  • A Little Brother or Little Sister is a child in our program between the ages of 6 and 18. Our Littles come from many types of home environments, family structures, social-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, neighborhoods and schools. Many Littles have faced some type of adversity in their lives. Their personalities are unique, but they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult. If one of our young ones could use a Big, reach out to the child's school counselor to get a reference or stop by our office (31 S 1st Street) to learn more. We always have a waitlist and match times vary significantly. 
How do Children come into the program?
Children and parents may hear about BBBS from a teacher, a counselor, their church, a friend, advertisements, etc. All children and their parents choose to be in our program. Children and their families join Big Brothers Big Sisters because they want to get involved with a positive youth prevention program that works. They joined the waitlist because they knew the benefit of having an additional positive influence in a child’s life!
Do the children in the program have behavioral problems?
  • We are serving children from all walks of life, but the simple answer is no. They may act out or have moments they aren't as open, but Littles choose to be involved and want to have a Big in their life. We know that most volunteers are not trained in providing behavioral or emotional intervention. Some children in our program may have or had some emotional or behavioral issues. During the child enrollment process, the Program Specialist screens the child and their family to make sure that there aren’t significant behaviors that a volunteer could not or would not feel comfortable managing.
What is a "Match"?
  • A match is the pairing of a Big Brother to a Little Brother, a Big Sister to a Little Sister/ Little Brother, or a Big Couple/Big Family to a Little Brother/Little Sister. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches volunteers with children who have similar interests or backgrounds in order to make the most compatible match.
How will I be matched with a child?
  • The enrollment and interview process helps us to get to know your preferences, as well as the situation best suited for you. It also helps you get to know us and the program expectations. We take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location. But the final decision is yours and the Littles.
What is the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters?
  • The individualized attention and companionship our children receive as a result of being matched has proven to help keep them away from drugs and alcohol, help them perform better in school, and greatly reduce the likelihood they will have delinquent or aggressive behaviors.
 Am I qualified or do I need experience to be a Big?
  • There are no special qualifications or skills a volunteer needs to become a “Big" and something anyone can do. The only requirements are the willingness to be a friend, to listen, to have fun, and to see the world (and yourself) through the eyes of a young person. During the intake process, we do conduct state and federal background checks, which we provide at no cost to you. ​
Why should I become a Big Brother or Big Sister?
  • Many Bigs describe their experiences with their match by saying, “I got just as much out of it as I put in to it, maybe more, or it gives me such a good feeling to give someone else hope”.  Big Brothers and Big Sisters get to experience a lot of wonderful moments, big and small in children’s lives, and are often the reason children are able to have those moments!
Does being a Big Brother or Big Sister take a lot of time?
  • Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters has many flexible volunteer opportunities to fit anyone's busy schedule. Bigs see their Little Brother or Little Sister about 2-4 times per month and do things that they already enjoy doing. The average outing is anywhere from one to four hours for Community Based. Bigs in the School-Based programs go into the Little's school and spend about 45 minutes to one hour.  They do school work, enjoy playing games, coloring, crafting, or simply talk.
​When can I see my “Little?”
  • For School-Based matches, our “Bigs” and “Littles” meet the same time each week sometime during the school day. For Community-Based matches, the duo decides together what they want to do and they get parent approval. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and that you see each other on a regular basis. Frequency of activities with your Little depends on both of your schedules. Until your relationship is established, the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parent, your Little, and you. If your Little is younger, a shorter outing might be better.
What do Bigs and Littles do together?
  • Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another. For children, playing can be learning. Check out a book to read to each other, play a board game, or take a ride in the car with the radio on while you discuss music! Most everything that Bigs and Littles do together is fun and beneficial to both the adult and child. Most important: HAVE FUN!
Am I allowed to have my “Little” over to my home to visit?
Yes for Community-Based Matches, however we discourage this during the few months of the match. This is to protect your privacy. You are allowed to have your Little over to your home to utilize resources for activities after the first year. You are not required to ever have the child to your home, or to give out personal information other than what you deem necessary to arrange outings with your Little. ​
Can I bring my spouse/friend/family member on outings? Can we volunteer together?
  • If you are a 1:1 match, in the beginning it is important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. Over time it is also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others, your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. Remember that the main focus is the friendship YOU have with your Little.
  • You can decide to be a “Big Couple” match, if you prefer. This provides a unique opportunity for married couples or young couples who want to volunteer together. They still meet with the child and spend time at events or activities in the community, but the program provides some flexibility to the spouses within the match. They can participate with the child together as a couple, or if one spouse is particularly busy one week, the other can participate with the child individually. The child not only benefits from the additional caring adult in his life, but he also gets to see first-hand how adults interact in a healthy, loving relationship.
Does it cost a lot of money to be a volunteer?
We discourage you from spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is friendship. You should focus your time on getting to know each other. We encourage you to seek out free or low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. Our agency frequently offers group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles! You may also receive notices for opportunities for free tickets for your match to attend a variety of cultural, arts, and sports activities in the area. We provide interested matches with Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA passed which are valid for the Little at all times and also to the Big when the match is together.
As a Big, what kind of support will I get from Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Once you are matched with your “Little,” the Match Support Specialist will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you can always ask the Program Specialist. You’ll receive ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference, just by showing up!
What is the application process like to be a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer?
  • The process to become a Big begins as soon as a potential volunteer submits an application.  The application process includes a personal confidential interview; a criminal, child abuse and sexual abuse background check, driving record check; and personal and professional references. You can apply online to be a Big at any time!
If you have other questions, or feel that you have the time and desire to become a Big Brother or Sister to a local child,
please reach out to Jody at [email protected] or 641-753-6370. She will connect you with one of our Match Support Specialist to help assist.
 
Thank you for your interest in Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters!