Mentoring Opportunities

The gift of having a mentor is something that is never forgotten. It's a step you take today to change the way tomorrow will be for children and youth. It takes little time and everyone who has or is participating will tell you is worth every minute. Check out some of our different mentoring opportunities through the links below and if you have more questions or want to apply today, please contact us at (780) 424-8181.

Volunteer Mentors work in a variety of ways to support the healthy development of children and youth in our community.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children ages 6 through 18 with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. We have volunteer programs in Edmonton & Area, and satellite offices in Strathcona, Parkland, Camrose, Vegreville, Lac La Biche and Morinville.

All Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are professionally guided and supported. It is important to ensure thorough screening and training so that you are prepared to work with children in a positive and focused way. You will have access to ongoing development and resources throughout your involvement with the agency.

In a traditional Big Brother or Big Sister program, we work hard to match volunteer mentors with a child or children who shares similar interests. The relationship is one of support, guidance and friendship that develops through activities that occur every week or every other week. These activities can be as simple as going for a walk or bike ride together. We encourage Bigs to work with their Littles to determine goals and work toward achieving them. The expected outcome is the benefit to a child of having an additional person in their lives to support their positive development.

A version of this traditional program also exists in a group setting. This is where a group of volunteer mentors work and play with a matched group of children and youth in the community and is slightly more structured than a traditional match program. Similarly though, these groups get together every week or every other week to enjoy each other’s company in a safe and supportive environment.

Children can also benefit from positive mentoring programs in their school or local community facility. The school programs can be one on one or in a group setting, depending on how many volunteers are available to support the need of a specific location. The focus of school programs is similar to traditional matches with an added focus on literacy and academic development.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is so very grateful for your interest in supporting children through one of these programs. Your role as a Big Brother or Big Sister will change the life of a child.

Click on the following links for more information about our Mentoring Opportunities and Programs

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Edmonton Young Offenders Centre