Get Involved with Mentoring

Our Programs

Community-Based Mentoring

1DSC00890.jpg#asset:205

In Community-Based Mentoring, volunteers provide our “Littles,” individualized time and attention on a regular basis, typically 2-4 times a month, for 2-3 hours. During unstructured weekly or bi-weekly outings, filled with conversations and shared activities, they develop a relationship that helps youth manage the everyday challenges that are part of “growing up.” During the time with their Big, children gain new skills, explore new interests and test behaviors that expand their experience base beyond their family or neighborhood.  Over the course of time, children gain confidence in themselves, acquire new skills and competencies, and develop an enhanced capacity to care for others – all tasks that are a part of developing healthy maturity. Volunteers experience a sense of discovery and enjoyment as they see the world of possibility open up through the child’s eyes.

The “Big/Little” Relationship

The agency monitors the “Big/Little” relationship on a regular basis and offers continual support for the match.

The Children

  • Reside in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties
  • Are 6 to 14 years of age
  • Are primarily from single parent homes and/or facing adversity in their lives
  • Are recommended by school staff based on criteria such as the child not working to his/her potential, exhibiting poor relationships with peers, and exhibiting low self-esteem

The Volunteers

  • Are from all different walks of life
  • Are 18 years of age and older
  • Are committed to working with a child for at least two years 
  • Provide friendship, guidance, and a positive role model to the child
  • Complete agency screenings, references, and background checks
  • Maintain regular contact with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ staff

School-Based Mentoring

SBM-Jeannette.JPG#asset:206

Volunteers serve as Big Brothers/Big Sisters for local elementary students.  The volunteer meets one-on-one with the same student on a regular basis during the school year to work together on improving academic, social, relationship, and life skills issues.  The goal of the programs is to allow for the elementary students to experience a positive mentoring session and ultimately improve grades and reduce their tardiness and absenteeism rates.

BBBSLR operates three School-Based Mentoring Program options to allow for greater flexibility in meeting volunteers’ needs:

  • Breakfast Buddies: This program achieves success by matching community volunteers with at-risk elementary students and providing a weekly breakfast-time mentoring session.  The goal of the program is to allow for the elementary students to experience a positive mentoring session and ultimately improve grades and reduce their tardiness and absenteeism rates.
  • Lunch Buddies: This program achieves success by matching local college students and community volunteers with at-risk elementary students and providing a weekly lunch-time mentoring session.  The goal of the program is to allow for the elementary students to experience a positive mentoring session and ultimately improve grades and reduce their tardiness and absenteeism rates. 
  • After-School Tutoring: This program achieves success by matching high school students, college students, and community volunteers with at-risk elementary students and providing weekly after-school tutoring sessions.  The goal of the program is to improve the grades of the elementary school students and reduce their tardiness and absenteeism rates.

The “Big/Little” Relationship

The agency monitors the “Big/Little” relationship on a regular basis and offers continual support for the match

The Children

  • Are recommended by school staff based on criteria such as the child not working to his/her potential, exhibiting poor relationships with peers, and exhibiting low self-esteem.
  • Are screened by Big Brothers Big Sisters’ staff for participation.

The Volunteers

  • Are able to commit to meeting with a child once a week during the school year for at least two school years.
  • Provide friendship, guidance, and a positive role model to the children.
  • Complete agency screenings, references, and background checks.
  • Maintain regular contact with Big Brothers Big Sisters’ staff.