Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County

Mission: Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

Since 1969, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County has been a force for change, connecting volunteers with children to help them empower every child for their brightest future. As part of the nation’s largest volunteer supported mentoring network, we make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). We believe in igniting our community to make Washington County strong today- and tomorrow.

Volunteers can enroll as a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, Big Family, High School Big or a Career Mentor, and can choose between Community-Based, Site-Based, or Career-Based mentoring options. Volunteer mentors can be as young as 16 years old and have no age limit! Volunteers must live, work or attend school in Washington County. 

As a Community-Based mentor, a volunteer mentor, "Big" will meet with their mentee, "Little" at least 2x a month during the evening or on a weekend exploring interests and activities they both enjoy. These matches can also participate in a variety of match activities that Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts each month, like craft club and more! Finally, in this program a volunteer can mentor as an individual, couple, or family and can be as young as 16 years old with a driver's license. A Community-Based Mentor is asked to commit to at least one full year as a mentor. 

As a Site-Based mentor, a volunteer mentor, "Big" will meet with their mentee, "Little" once a week for about an hour at the child's school during the academic school year. Matches will typically meet over the school period and lunch and will read together, do homework, play games, go outside to play or enjoy activities in the school gym together. Volunteers will ideally be available the same day and time each week to meet and need to be at least 16 years old and have the ability to drive to the child's school. A Site-Based mentor is asked to commit to at least one academic school year as a mentor. 

As a Career-Based mentoring options is for career professionals who would like to inspire the next generation of workers and help high school aged mentees, "Littles" explore their career interests and strengthen their workforce development skills and college and career goals. Career mentors meet monthly with their mentee usually in a group facilitated setting at a designed employer partner site. If you want to learn more, please reach out to info@bbbswashco.org, today! A career mentor is asked to commit to at least 1 academic school year as a mentor. 

The first step is to inquire and apply to be a Big! Start Here: Apply To Be a Mentor, "Big"

Next, you'll hear from our Enrollment Specialist, Alex who will send an application for you to complete. If you're a high school student, a parent/guardian will need to approve and sign your application.

The enrollment process will include a full background check, reference checks, an in-person interview that usually lasts about 1-1.5hrs in length, and pre-volunteer training. This may take about a month to complete but can be quicker based on how quickly required documents and training is completed.

Once volunteer enrollment is completed, your interests, background, and preferences will guide us in making the right Big/Little Match. Matches are then supported by individuals, called Match Support Specialists. These dedicated staff members nurture families, mentors, and youth for the entire duration of enrollment and the length of the match. They will support and guide the match to ensure safety and guidelines are being met. 

As a mentor, volunteers have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering them to achieve and become the best version of themselves. Simply spending a few times, a month together exploring interests and hobbies or attending agency activities is a great way to build a friendship that lasts a lifetime in our mentoring programs. 

Learn more about becoming a volunteer "Big" today! Visit: 
Become a Big