Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Santa Clara County Volunteer information

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
of Santa Clara County

1101 S. Winchester Blvd. #0-280 · San Jose, CA 95128 · (408) 244-1911 tel. | (408) 244-9479 fax | info@beabig.com

Our work is as elementary as putting a friend in a child's life,
and as essential as putting hope in a child's future.

WHAT IS BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Clara County is a non-profit organization with several different programs designed to meet the needs of at-risk children and youth. We help at-risk kids grow into healthy, productive adults by matching them with a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer.
HOW ARE VOLUNTEERS SCREENED AND MATCHED?
Potential Big Brothers and Big Sisters first call our agency and then attend an informative meeting regarding our program. Applicants are then interviewed and screened by professional staff to determine suitability as a volunteer and to determine the Little Brother or Little Sister who might be the most compatible. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are then matched according to geographic proximity, common interests, and personality.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER
Big Brothers and Big Sisters accept the responsibility to enter into a friendship with their Little Brother or Sister. The Big Brother or Big Sister takes the initiative to arrange outings and contacts with the Little Brother or Sister. The Big Brother or Sister should keep every scheduled appointment with their Little Brother or Sister, and allow the child to develop the friendship at his or her own pace. You must be:

19 years or older, mature, and responsible.
able to make a 6 month commitment.
willing to spend time with your Little Brother or Sister 2-4 times a month.

If you are interested in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister,
please call the agency at (408) 244-1911.
THE LITTLE BROTHER OR SISTER AND THEIR PARENT
Both the child and his/her parent or guardian must want the child to have a Big Brother or Big Sister. The parent's position does not change when the child gets a Big Brother or Big Sister. However, it is important that the parent not use the Big Brother or Big Sister as a means of discipline. In addition, the parent is not allowed to use the volunteer as "convenient child care."

If you are interested in having a Big Brother or Big Sister,
please call the agency at (408)244-1911

HOW IS THE PROGRAM FINANCIALLY SUPPORTED?
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a member agency of United Way of Santa Clara County and receives funds from them. In addition, the Board of Directors and Staff of Big Brothers Big Sisters plans for other necessary financial support from public and private foundations, individual and corporate contributions and fund raising events such as Bowl For Kid's Sake.

Fund Raising Events | Programs