Getting Involved

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County, PA

Getting Involved

Whether you are a parent/guardian looking to get your child involved or an adult wanting to become a volunteer mentor, the first step in the applicaiton process is about a 10-minute phone orientation. Call the agency at (610) 373-5544 and talk to one of our staff members. They will talk with you about the application process, the minimum eligibility requirements, and our programs; will answer any of your questions; and get what information we need to send you an application.

Volunteer Your Time

ADULT VOLUNTEER - MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Be at least 19 years of age (18 if attending college where a BBBS program is in place).

Be a resident of Berks County or attending school in Berks County.

Be gainfully employed or self-sufficient (or a full-time student in Berks County).

Have access to a car, possess a valid driver's license, a good driving history, and proof of car insurance.

Be willing to complete the BBBS application/training process in its entirety.

Be willing to make a one-year commitment to the agency.

Be willing to commit to: the ONE-TO-ONE mentoring program (about 8-10 hours per month), the SMART school-based mentoring program (about 4-5 hours per month), or the COUL program (minimum of 6 activities per year).

Be willing to attend any support/training workshops or meetings required by BBBS (see below for initial training schedule).

Be willing to cooperate with the agency in the supervision/monitoring process of the mentoring match relationship.

NOTE: Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Casework Manager with approval from the agency Executive Director.

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VOLUNTEER TRAINING SCHEDULE

Please NOTE: Weather conditions in February have prompted us to make several changes to our Training Schedule.

FEBRUARY 2010

General Training - Saturday, Feb. 27th from 10 am to 12 noon

One-To-One Training - Saturday, Feb. 27th from 12 noon to 2 pm

MARCH 2010

General Training - Thursday, March 18th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

One-To-One Training - Thursday, March 25th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

APRIL 2010

General Training - Wednesday, April 21st from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

One-To-One Training - Wednesday, April 28th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Get your child involved as a Little Brother or Sister:

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUTH:

Youth must be 8-to-15 years of age (15-years-old is cut off for new Littles).

Youth must be a resident of Berks County.

Youth must live in a single-parent household (with some exceptions).

Parent & Youth must be willing to attend any support/training workshops or meetings required by BBBS (see schedule for initial training below).

Parent & Youth must be willing to cooperate with the agency in the supervision/monitoring process of the mentoring match relationship.

Youth must have a desire to be matched with a BB or BS and to sustain that mentoring match relationship for at least one year.

Youth must lack a supportive & nurturing relationship with the absent parent or significant members of the client's extended family.

Youth must be capable of deriving some benefit from the services of the BBBS.

NOTE: Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Casework Manager with approval from the Agency Executive Director.

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Please note that Parent & Child Empowerment Training is conducted on the same night at the agency; however, parent(s) and their children attend separate training sessions. Both Parent and Child must attend trainings before an interview will be scheduled.

PARENT & YOUTH EMPOWER SCHEDULE

Please NOTE: Weather conditions in February have prompted us to make several changes to our Training schedule.

Wednesday, March 10th - 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Saturday, March 20th - 10 am to 12 noon

Thursday, April 22nd - 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm