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The
following are some of the most commonly asked questions about Big
Brothers Big Sisters. You may find the answers helpful in deciding if
you want your child to have a Big Brother or Big Sister. All of
the questions below pertain to the Community Based Program.
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| | Q: | Just what is Big Brothers Big Sisters, anyway? |
| A: | Big
Brothers Big Sisters is a volunteer organization that matches a
qualified volunteer with a young person between the ages of 6 - 12.
There are two different programs your child can be involved in;
Community Based and Site Based. A child who is in the Community
Based program is from a single parent family, whereas in the Site
Based program family situation is not a factor. |
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| Q: | How does it work? |
| A: | A
volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister is assigned to the child who
will be
their Little Brother or Little Sister. The volunteer is asked
to see the child on a regular basis, approximately
once every other week and have phone contact on weeks activities are not scheduled. |
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| Q: | Who serves as a Big Brother or Big Sister? |
| A: | Volunteers
are closely screened through an interview, training session, background
checks and reference checks. They receive nothing
other than the personal reward and joy of helping a child. |
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| Q: | How does Big Brothers Big Sisters select
the volunteer who will be my child's friend? |
| A: | A
case manager receives the volunteer's application, checks the
references, and thoroughly interviews the potential volunteer. The
volunteer also attends an orientation and training session.
When the person is ready to be matched, the case manager
then matches the volunteer with a child according to need,
interests and personalities. |
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| Q: | If I enroll my child in the program, how long will it take for a volunteer to be assigned? |
| A: | That
depends on how many children are on the waiting
list and whether a compatible volunteer is available. Several
months is not an unusual waiting period. It just
depends on the availability of a volunteer to fit the need of a particular child. |
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| Q: | Will I have anything to say about the volunteer assigned to my child? |
| A: | Certainly. Your preferences are a major factor in the assignment and Big Brothers Big Sisters wants your opinion. |
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| Q: | Will the volunteer take my place with the child?
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| A: | No. No one can or should take your place as a parent. The volunteer will just be an addition to your extended family. |
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| Q: | What will the volunteer and my child do together? |
| A: | The activities vary according to the volunteer and the child. They plan
their own activities together with the approval of the parent, of
course. They often go together to sporting events, to
the home of the volunteer, out to the movies, fishing,
camping, etc. |
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| Q: | How long will the match between my child and the volunteer continue? |
| A: | That depends on the child's needs and the agreement of all parties.
We feel that a year commitment should be the minimum length of a match
relationship. Many last longer, and the friendships often continue for
a life time. |
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| Q: | Will the volunteer talk to me about my child and his/her problems? |
| A: | Probably. The job of the volunteer is to be a friend to your child. The volunteer and parent are
encouraged to discuss any problems with the case manager at scheduled evaluations. |
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| Q: | What results should I expect from the volunteer's relationship with my child? |
| A: | Do not expect instant changes. If the match relationship is
effective, as most are, you can expect to see your child secure
in a caring friendship with the increased self-confidence and
warmth such a friendship often brings, but this will take time. |
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| Q: | How do I find out more about Big Brother Big Sisters? |
| A: | You can call our office at 270.821.0688 or 270.338.6716.
Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.
You can also email us at: madisonvillebbbs@newwavecomm.net. |
