For anyone, having a mentor to help navigate through challenges in life can be a huge help. For children and teens, mentors are there for them at key points in their development, helping them thrive not just in the present but for years into the future.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward brings a unique and empowering opportunity for children of any background to experience the positive impact of mentorship. Recognizing that mentorship isn’t exclusive to “troubled” or “at-risk” kids is important. It’s a resource that can benefit every child, regardless of their circumstances.

If you’re hesitant to welcome a mentor into your child’s life, that’s understandable and not unusual. Many parents struggle to trust another adult with their child, and they can feel uneasy about their children confiding in and building a friendship with other adults.  

Benefits of a mentoring program for youth

BBBS of America shared the results of mentor-mentee research that was conducted over 18 months revealing remarkable differences in the lives of Little Brothers and Little Sisters who spent time with their Bigs, compared to children not enrolled in our program.

Here are some of the results that show the benefits of mentoring for the youth mentee:

  • 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
  • 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
  • 33% less likely to hit someone
  • 37% less likely to skip class
  • 52% less likely to skip school

The research uncovered significant benefits for Little Brothers and Little Sisters participating in the program. After spending time with their Bigs, these Littles exhibited increased confidence in their schoolwork. They also demonstrated improved relationships within their families, showcasing mentorship’s positive impact on academic achievement and familial connections.

Thanks to the unwavering support of donors, volunteers, and partners, BBBS’s impact on children’s education is profound. Study after study confirms its program’s transformative effect on the education of the youth it serves.

Mentors up to the task

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward firmly believes that every child is born with incredible potential, so we continuously evaluate and enhance programs to ensure that Bigs are not just mentors but defenders of that potential. 

  • Thoughtful matchmaking: For every match, we consider a multitude of factors and seek to match mentee and mentor relationships where Bigs and Littles have shared interests and values, as well as complementary personality traits. 
  • Continued match support: Once matched, our program specialists are available to mentors and their families for support throughout the match!
  • Continued education/training: BBBS of Broward offers classes, workshops and fun events for Littles and Bigs.

Behind each match is a team of dedicated professionals from BBBS, building and supporting connections. We adhere to the strictest standards, striving for safe matches well-suited to each child’s needs and built to withstand the test of time.

Family engagement: Your role as a BBBS parent or guardian

What is family engagement? It’s a term that is often used in education and social services to refer to the benefits of an entire family’s (and community’s) involvement in raising healthy, well-adjusted children. At BBBS of Broward, family engagement means supporting Big-Little relationships and allowing them to enhance your child’s life.   

Your program specialist will go over some of the best ways that parents can support their children’s new matches through BBBS of Broward. Communication between the parent and the Big is important, and we will help coach you and your child’s Big through best practices, including: 

  • Making sure parents are aware of and OK with pick up and drop off times 
  • Sharing information about issues the child may be having at school or in other areas
  • Answering questions
  • Communicating things that you’d prefer your Big not to discuss with their Little
  • Allowing the Big-Little relationship to flourish without much parental interference

If there is ever a time when you, as the parent, aren’t comfortable speaking with your child’s Big, or you don’t want your child to feel that you’re betraying their trust, you can always talk to your BBBS program specialist. Our staff is educated and trained to mediate sensitive issues between families and our volunteers. 

How we find a mentor for your child

BBBS has over 100 years of experience finding and matching Bigs and Littles! We work with every family to find a mentor for your child that your child is excited about seeing and is helpful for their development. Together, we understand your child’s interests, challenges and aspirations to shape the type of mentor we choose.

These are things we keep in mind when looking for the right match for your children:

  • Personal compatibility: We look for a mentor who shares common interests with your child. A shared passion or hobby can strengthen the bond between mentor and mentee.
  • Background checks: We perform extensive background checks on potential mentors, to ensure the wellbeing of your child. Safety is paramount, and reputable programs conduct a thorough vetting process.
  • Screening and interviews: We put our volunteers through rigorous screening and interview processes. This helps confirm that mentors are not only qualified, but also genuinely committed to making a positive impact on a child’s life.

With a rich history, BBBS has connected children with adult mentors for decades. By choosing BBBS, you are entrusting your child’s mentorship journey to an organization with a proven track record of success and a steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of every child.