This document provides an overview of Big Brothers Big Sisters, a mentoring program that matches youth with adult volunteers. It discusses the history and growth of the program from its start in 1904 pairing boys with mentors. The summary highlights that the program now serves over 200 youth annually in the local area and discusses the application and matching process for volunteers. It also reviews the positive impacts of mentoring on youth participants and volunteer experiences.

1. … One Child at a Time! Making a Difference …

2. One to One Mentoring Overview Big & Little Brother or Sister 1:1 mentoring ratio 221 youth served in 2009 Meet 2-4 times per month for a year Engage in fun low or no cost activities Attend agency sponsored recreational activities

3. Program History In 1904, a young New York City court clerk named Ernest Coulter was seeing more and more boys come through his courtroom. By 1916, Big Brothers had spread to 96 cities across the country. At around the same time, the members of a group called Ladies of Charity were befriending girls who had come through the New York Children’s Court. That group would later become Catholic Big Sisters. Both groups continued to work independently until 1977, when Big Brothers of America and Big Sisters International joined forces and became Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

4. Canadian Program History In 1912, similar events took place in Canada and the first Canadian Big Sister agency formed in Toronto. Closely afterwards, in 1913, the first Canadian Big Brother program began in Toronto. In 2001 a merger occurred between the two Canadian organizations and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada was formed. Interest grew from outside North America, spurring the formation of Big Brothers Big Sisters International to help other countries get started and facilitate communications between countries running similar programs. Big Brothers Big Sisters operates in 10 Canadian Provinces and one territory, all states in the US, and in 12 countries.

5. Program Process Volunteers submit an application Complete screening process Caseworker Match Meeting takes place Volunteer names brought forward Littles names suggested Children presented to volunteer Trial Outing arranged Guardian and volunteer follow up calls Match organized

6. Volunteering – Getting Started Volunteers must be 18 years old to mentor Complete following forms: Program Application - different from Development application Police Check for everyone of 18 in household Confidentiality Agreement Submit references by employer, family and character 1.5 hours - In person interview Talk about personal history, group process and next steps Household safety and security possible inspection Process typically up to 2 months depending on Police Check

7. Match Process Abide by National Standards of Mentoring Friendship Agreement between parent, volunteer & child Child Safety Training Caseworker Match Monitoring Process Volunteer Guardian Child

8. Program Statistics 88% 85% 81% Increased sense of happiness and hope for the future 81% 91% 96% Increased in self esteem reported 80% 73% 72% Improved peer & family relationships 71% 69% 71% More positive attitude towards school 82% 85% 74% Improved Communication and Social Skills Littles Volunteers Parents Topic (% reporting of positive feedback)

9. Quotes In the words of our “Littles” “ He helped me to realize that life doesn't always have to be a negative thing and that I am a really good person! “ Talking to her has always helped me to be more open, objective about problems and to talk more openly.” “ She gives me a safe place to talk about things.” “ He encourages me to be more active and not be so shy.” “ This program has helped me make decisions about school and has given me caring and amazing people to talk to about my problems.”

10. Quotes In the words of our “Bigs” I had joined to help others. I wanted to help in the community and loved kids. I never realized it would be come such a big vital part of my life. I have developed this bond with my little sister that’s truly helping both of us. She brings me as much joy as I think I bring her. Being involved is very rewarding. When you are matched for a while you really start to see the difference in you “Littles” personality and the way they carry themselves. For the Littles I think it makes them feel pretty special that they have someone there that wants to do things with them.

11. Program Costs and Structure Program costs approximately $319,600 Expenses include: Salaries of two full-time and one part-time caseworkers Volunteer screening costs Office Space, Computers, Program Marketing Program Supplies and Materials

12. Characteristics of a Big Brother or Big Sister Regular time each week Energy Team-oriented Able to set boundaries Patient and understanding of children’s circumstances Interested in participating with children to give children maximum mentoring benefit

13. Self - Assessment Check List I have time, and am willing to commit to meeting regularly with my Little Sister or Little Brother I have the desire to build a friendship with a child or youth I take my own safety and the safety of others seriously I am willing to commit for a up to one year I am a responsible, trustworthy and stable individual I enjoy spending time with children and youth I have strong problem solving skills I am caring and compassionate I can be energetic I am a good listener I work well in a team I have strong interpersonal communication skills I enjoy some or many of the activities that children and youth enjoy I am able to set realistic expectations and be prepared for unexpected changes I respect the values and beliefs of others, even if they are very different from my own I am comfortable assuming responsibility for a child’s safety of during outings I am comfortable with the idea of communicating openly with the child's parent or guardian and the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency caseworker

14. Business Opportunities Social Activities arranged for matches Holiday Party Halloween Party Agency Picnic Require volunteers and in-kind donations Company is responsible for the logistics and costs of the activity Excellent team-building opportunity

15. Program Needs Volunteers Mentors ( Big Brothers or Big Sisters) Participate in Social activities Tickets Plays, concerts, ballet, circus, theatre Sporting events Pottery or art classes Thank you Gifts (Holiday & Summer) Bigs Littles – to encourage

16. Upcoming Events Volunteer & Donor Recognition Coliseum Mississauga, 309 Rathburn Road West Sept 22, 2010 at 6:30PM Information & Ambassador’s Meetings Mississauga (3 rd Tuesday of the month) Oct 19 th at Origin Evergreen, 820 Scollard Ct Information: 5:00PM Ambassador 5:30-7:30PM Brampton (3 rd Thursday of the month) Oct 21 st at Coras, 17 Ray Lawson Blvd Information: 6:00PM Ambassador 6:30 – 8:30PM