Community Based Programs
 

This program matches adult mentors to children according to complimentary characteristics such as personality type, activity level and general lifestyle.  Our matches enjoy spending time hiking, going to the movies, picking up an ice-cream cone or joining the staff of BBBSFC at our monthly planned events.  When children are paired in a friendship with a caring Big Brother or Big Sister, research shows that they develop a more positive self-concept, increase school performance and improve relations with peers and adults.

So, what is a Big Brother?

• A Big Brother is the older friend or role model all younger kids deserve.
• A Big Brother is the guy who showed you how to throw a curve ball, fly a paper airplane, build a model or change your oil.
• A Big Brother is a guy who shows up to have fun with a kid and goof off.
• A Big Brother is who you wanted to be when you were a kid.

Okay, but what does it mean to be a Big Brother?

• It means you will be matched one-to-one with a deserving kid. Most of the boys are at-risk, between the ages of 7-12.
• It means that just by being a friend to a kid you can have a positive impact that may change his life, help him figure out who he is and who he wants to be.
• It means that you got off the couch and are doing something that matters.
• It means you will have a younger friend who probably wants to be like you.

Does it really make a difference?

• You might not feel like you are changing the world every time you hang out with your Little Brother, but yes, independent research proves our programs make a measurable difference.
   
• Because of Big Brothers, the Little Brothers in our programs are LESS LIKELY to:

- Begin using drugs
- Begin using alcohol
- Skip school
- Hit someone

• They are also, MORE LIKELY to:
  
  - Have greater self-esteem
  - Better attitude towards school and academic performance
  - Get along better with friends and family

If you would like to become a BIG BROTHER, please complete the following forms and return to: 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County
137 Main Street 
Kalispell MT 59901

Forms:

Volunteer Enrollment Application
Release of Information
Confidentiality

Learn more about YOUR ROLE AS A BIG

A BIG SISTER IS...

*  A great listener
*  Truly caring about people
 *  Believing in others’ capabilities
*  Patient and kind
*  Sensitive to the needs and circumstances of others
*  Committed to relationships
*  Open to different points of view

WHO CAN BE A BIG SISTER?

Being a Big Sister is about being a friend and someone to look up to. It’s about hanging out, talking and sharing, with many smiles along the way. It’s about making one child feel very special. And you’ll feel pretty great too. After the enrollment process, we’ll provide training and match you with a Little Sister who shares your interests.

Every girl needs a Big Sister to share with, talk to or confide in. Whether it’s playing sports, learning a new craft or just goofing around, you’ll make a big difference in each other’s life. You’ll both be forever changed by the experience.

If you would like to become a BIG SISTER please print and complete the following and return to : 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County
137 Main Street 
Kalispell MT 59901

Forms:

Volunteer Enrollment Application
Release of Information
Confidentiality

Go to Top

Greetings and thank you for your interest in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County

 Our mission is to build caring relationships between volunteers, children and their families to enrich their lives and communities.  Those who volunteer in our Community Based Mentoring Program are caring adults, age 18 or older, who have successfully completed our thorough screening process, and are ready to commit to mentoring a child for at least one year.

 We match “Bigs” with “Littles” age 6 – 14 according to personal characteristics, activity level, and recreational interests.  The application process for Littles includes a parent interview, a separate child interview, personal safety education for the child, and an evaluation from the child’s teacher.  Once a match is completed, we offer professional support for Bigs, Littles, and the Little’s family, to make sure the match is working well, and is beneficial to all involved.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County serve children in the following areas:

• Kalispell
• Evergreen
• Columbia Falls
• Big Fork
• Whitefish

 To get your child’s enrollment process started, please complete the following paperwork, and return to:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County
137 Main Street
Kalispell, MT 59901

 Forms:

• Child enrollment
• Information release
• Confidentiality disclosure (two sides)
• Child activity sheet

Once we receive your paperwork, a member of our staff will call you within two weeks to schedule interviews for you and your child.  Please understand that, at this time, we have a considerable waiting list, and that it will take some time for us to find a match for your child.  However, it’s best to get your child’s enrollment complete, so your child will be ready to be matched when the right volunteer does come along.

 We are glad to have the opportunity to help you support your child.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 752-0092. 

 Yours in service,

 The Staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters

 *Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteers are not specifically trained in counseling or behavior management.  For this reason, children who are currently receiving therapeutic services, counseling, or medication for emotional, psychological, or behavior management issues will be considered on and individual basis, to insure their needs are properly met.

Go to Top

Go to Top

Learn more about Your Role as a Big

• For “Littles” – Two For One
• For Parents – PParent Letter, Child Application, Activity Sheet, Child Release, Confidentiality, Enroll a Child

Top