The single most important factor for a child to develop resiliency is having at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult.
We match volunteer mentors (Bigs) with children (Littles) who need help with self-esteem, decision-making, and other areas of life.
Our monitored matches tackle the problems of social justice, generational incarceration, and mental health.
ENROLL A CHILD
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For more information about the program or enrollment process, call our statewide enrollment hotline at (918) 728-7919. We are ready to answer your questions about welcoming a Big into the life of your child.
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If you are ready to enroll your child (great!), apply here.
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After you complete your application, you will be directed to our appointment site to schedule an interview with you and your child(ren).
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After you attend your interview, we complete your file for approval to be matched. Big Brothers Big Sisters matches Bigs and Littles based on personalities, location and other preferences of the Big, you, and your child. This strategic matching allows Bigs and Littles to have a strong foundation from the start.
Often, your child may wait for several months while we find the best Big. During that time, let us know if you move or your plans to be in our program change.
Once matched, Bigs and Littles will meet consistently. You will be required to stay in contact with your BBBS Program Specialist on a monthly basis for the first year of your match. This is to make sure everything is going great with your child and their Big.
PROGRAM FORMATS
We offer a variety of programming formats so that everyone is able to find something to best suit their needs.
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Matches will enjoy activities within the community like going to the park, eating lunch or catching a movie.
We offer the community program in all six markets: Bartlesville, Norman, OKC, Shawnee, Stillwater and Tulsa.
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Your mentor will meet your child at their school for a variety of on-campus activities.
We offer matches at schools in all six markets: Bartlesville, Norman, OKC, Shawnee, Stillwater and Tulsa.
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A Big Couple mentors one child together as a team in a community-based match.
This program is offered in all six markets: Bartlesville, Norman, OKC, Shawnee, Stillwater and Tulsa.
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Oklahoma’s Big League program is a guided mentorship program which brings matches together for a BBBS-planned activity once each month with a focus on sports activities.
*The Big League Program is a pilot program that is currently only offered in Tulsa.
Our Littles make positive choices and engage in healthy behaviors.
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96% OF LITTLES
finish high school and make plans to pursue college
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100% OF LITTLES
avoid police and juvenile justice contact
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97% OF LITTLES
avoid and/or reduce substance use/abuse
FAQ
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OUR VOLUNTEERS MUST:
Apply online, complete the interview process and background check.
If they are volunteering for the community based program or the Big Couple Program, they will need a valid driver's license and up-to-date car insurance (for transport).
They must be at least 18 years old at the time they are matched.
They must commit to at least one year with your child. Big League volunteers must commit to six months.
They will meet your child for two to four hours a few times a month (or more!).
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Once a Big and Little are matched, a Program Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you, your child and their Big to provide assistance and give feedback.
Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Program Specialist there to help.
They’ll help the match with ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and connection to other resources in times of need.
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COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAM: They will meet two to four times a month for a few hours at a time. Together, they decide what activities they want to do (with your consent).
SCHOOL BASED PROGRAM: Matches meet about an hour each week during the school year.
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COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAM: Matches have the freedom to decide what activities they will do together based on common interests. Big Brothers Big Sisters often provides tickets and activities from our community partners such as sporting or community events.
SCHOOL BASED PROGRAM: Matches meet at the school and usually have access to the library, gym and playground. Often, they enjoy spending time together during lunch.
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Your child’s safety is extremely important to us. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program and every match is closely monitored and supported by a professionally-trained Program Specialist.
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The Big Brothers Big Sisters program is fully funded by our generous donors. It does not cost our Littles, families or volunteers anything to enroll.
However, you are welcome to help your child’s Big pay for particular activities they might do together.
RESOURCES:
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