Volunteers
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is a magical experience. It's easy to understand if you think back to when you were younger. Can you remember someone other than your parents who touched your life in some simple but special way? Maybe it was your aunt who taught you her “secret recipe” or your next door neighbor who let you help him fix his car. Or maybe it was someone who took you to a ballgame or taught you to play chopsticks, or showed you how to catch fireflies in a jar. And maybe it was someone who just included you in an everyday activity because it was fun – for both of you.
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is about sharing simple, magical moments like these with a child. Each of us had a special person who opened doors and widened our horizons on the world. By being a Big, you can do the same for a child and you will both be forever changed by the experience.
To be eligible to be a Big, volunteers must be a resident of in Stone or Taney County for at least 6 months and be at least 18 years of age. We require our volunteer to have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. The volunteer is also required to provide three references that they have known for at least 2 years. Other eligibility requirements include: the volunteer must not have had a driving-alcohol/drug related conviction within the past three years; the volunteer must not have a misdemeanor or felony arrest matter pending or have been convicted of a misdemeanor in the last two years; the volunteer must not have been hospitalized or treated for substance related addiction or shown evidence of such an addiction in the last five years and a volunteer currently using illegal drugs will not be accepted. All information is held in strict confidence.
Each volunteer is thoroughly screened and interviewed by professional staff to be accepted into our program. Once accepted, the volunteer is matched with a child based on the parent and volunteer preferences, interests, and location. Professional staff provides support, guidance and activities throughout the match.
The responsibilities of a Big include but are not limited to:
- Seeing the child on average 6-10 hours amonth for a minimum of one year,
- Maintain contact with the child, to plan activities and keep appointments,
- Maintain regular contact with Big Brothers Big Sistersprofessional staff,
- Keep the agency informed of changes in contact information and any major changes in life circumstances that might affect the match.
- Maintain adequate insurance on your home and car that will cover the child in case of anaccident.
- Try to keep activities to low or no cost. Volunteers have no financial responsibilities toward the child or family and expenses incurred during an outing should be shared, depending on the individual financial situation.
Click here to complete an inquiry form. A staff member from our Branson office will contact you within 24 hours to answer any questions you may have and provide an application to be a Big.
See our Match Card Program List
Programs
As any volunteer will tell you, the experience of being matched to a child is equally rewarding for the mentor. You get the opportunity to make a new friend, to have fun, to see a child grow and learn new skills, and to make a positive difference in a child's life. The process to become a part of Big Brother or Big Sister is easy. Read on to find the right type of program for you.
We have programs to fit any interest, lifestyle, or schedule:
Big Brother or Big Sister:
One-to-one mentoring programs: Spend time each week for a minimum of 1 year with a young person ages 6-14 who needs a friend. You are matched with a child in our community and encouraged to share activities. Each match is supported by the professional team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.
Big Couple:
You and your spouse are matched with a child and encouraged to share everyday activities together. This program is designed for couples who want to volunteer as mentors together, thus providing role models for a caring and healthy relationship. We ask that you share time each week for a minimum of one year with your match.
Big Faith:
Reaching kids for Christ across Stone & Taney Counties by helping them understand who they are in Christ. Spending 1-on-1 time with a child for 6 to 10 hours/ month.
School Based Mentors:
Spend one hour a week for a minimum of one year, with a student at a local elementary or middle school. Help with reading, play tether ball or just listen. You'll meet at the school during regular class hours. Volunteers must be 16 or over and have reliable transportation.
Amachi Program (Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents):
Amachi, a Nigerian word meaning “Who knows but what God has brought us through this child,” is a mentoring program that responds to the needs of children with a family member in prison, on parole or on probation.
Big Brigade:
Have extra hours you'd like to spend helping? We can use office help, support at special events and much more. Call to see what is on our calendar today!