BE BIG IN OKC
Right now, 163 kids across Oklahoma City are waiting for someone to believe in them.
They're not waiting for perfect mentors. They're waiting for caring adults.
Just a few hours each month can change a child's future, and yours.
Become a Big today.
❤️ Learn more or apply now.
By giving just a few hours each month, you can make a BIG impact and help change a child’s life for the better.
-Big Brother, TJ Kerr
Have questions? Attend a webinar to learn more.
BECOMING A BIG IN OKC
Hundreds of local children are waiting for a mentor. They don't need someone perfect, they need someone present.
We match volunteer mentors (Bigs) with children (Littles) who need help with self-esteem, decision-making, and other areas of life.
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Once your application is submitted, you will be directed to your interview. Interviews are in-person at your local BBBSOK office.
You will need three references, your driver’s license and car insurance verification.
*Big Couples interview individually.
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Your interview consists of questions about you, your childhood, your interests and your expectations about being a Big.
Following your interview, our staff will process your background check. Once that and your references are cleared, you will be added to our Match list!
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Matching is not a “next in line” process. Our Program Specialists match Bigs and Littles weekly, based on preferences, interests, and location. Every match is unique!
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Your Program Specialist will schedule an in-person match introduction where you meet your new Little, learn our policies, plan your first outing, and set goals for your new match.
You will meet with your Little consistently. Based on the program you chose, this could be weekly at the child’s school or after-school site or a couple times a month in the community.
You will be required to connect via phone with your Program Specialist each month to make sure everything is going great for you and your new Little.
PROGRAM DETAILS
We offer a variety of program formats so that you can find a mentoring program to best suit your needs.
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Matches will enjoy activities within the community like going to the park, eating lunch or catching a movie.
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You will meet the child at Hawthorn Elementary to do a variety of on-campus activities. You only meet with your Little at school and when school is in session.
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A Big Couple mentors one child together as a team in a community-based match.
MATCH ACTIVITY PARTNERSHIPS
Big Brothers Big Sisters connects with local retailers to provide low cost, no cost activity ideas for our matches.
FAQ
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We have three primary mentoring programs: Community Matches, Site-Based Matches, and Big Couple Matches. All of these options are available in the Oklahoma City area.
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After you submit your application, your case will be assigned to a Program Specialist who will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance, give feedback, help with ideas for activities, and offer guidance for handling difficult situations.
We offer agency-sponsored training that covers topics like trauma-informed care and how to talk to a teenager.
We also offer other resources and sponsor monthly match activities where you and your Little can interact with other community matches.
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COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAM: You’ll meet with your Little two to four times a month for a few hours at a time. Together, you decide what activities you want to do.
SCHOOL BASED PROGRAM: Matches meet for about an hour each week during the school year.
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COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAM: You have the freedom to decide what activities you and your Little 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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A Big Couple mentors one child together as a team in a community based match with a Little Brother.
We ask that all Bigs make a one-year commitment to their Little (but most stay matched much longer than that) so if you and your partner are in a committed relationship, you can be a Big Couple.
This is a great option for all couples including young professionals, empty-nesters and everything in between.
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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.
However, over time it is also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. The main focus is the friendship you develop with your Little and the impact you have on their life.
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The quality of time invested with your Little is more important than the amount of money you spend. We don’t encourage spending money on your outings because the goal of the relationship is to help your Little see the world through a different lens.
If you do spend money, we encourage you to seek out low-cost activities: shoot hoops at a local park, play a game together, or meet your Little at the park for a picnic lunch.
Sometimes our agency is able to provide free tickets to concerts and sporting events. We also have a monthly community activity calendar that is full of low-cost and free events in your area.