Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State offers traditional one-to-one mentoring with three special-focus variations and two group programs.

Traditional Mentoring

Our Traditional Mentoring Program matches at-risk children between the ages of 7 and 15, in long-term, one-to-one relationships with adult volunteer mentors (who are at least 19 years old). While “matches” may formally remain in the program until the girls turn 18 or graduate from high school, many of their relationships will last a lifetime.

A prospective mentor participates in a thorough interview so that the program coordinator can get to know them (the child and their family also does the same). The aim is to make the best match possible – pairing a child sharing similar interests with the volunteer, or whose needs match with the mentor’s skills and experience. Volunteers also provide references, and the agency orders a criminal background check.

The initial commitment for a mentor is for one year. Visits with a child are three to four hours either weekly or bi-weekly. With the emphasis on building a relationship, the agency encourages no- or low-cost activities. Our agency even provides a free monthly activity open to all matches.

The following are variations of our traditional mentoring program:

• Our Amachi program previously known as our Cool Kids Program, serves children 4 to 18 who have a parent incarcerated in a state or federal prison. This special program is funded by a federal grant through the Department of Health and Human Services as a national initiative approved by the US Congress for Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents.
• Our Hermana a Hermana (Sister to Sister) program is a one-to-one mentoring program matching volunteers with Latina children ages 7 – 15. The program seeks to help Latina children make academic gains and avoid risky behaviors -- such as substance abuse, violence, and early sexual activity -- to enable them to grow into strong, confident young adults. We encourage Latina women and men to get involved in this program.
  

Group Programs

Life Choices Workshop Series: Our Life Choices workshop series encourages positive growth by teaching pre-adolescent girls decision-making skills in small groups facilitated by our program coordinators at schools and community centers. The program provides a way to empower more girls and equip them to deal with the gender-specific issues they face during their teen years. Topics include body image, peer pressure, substance abuse and victimization, as well as self-esteem and love and relationships.