Thank you for your interest in becoming a much needed mentor to an at-risk child in our community. The men and women who volunteer to become Big Brothers and Big Sisters come from many different cultures and backgrounds, range in age from 18 to 70, speak many languages, and have a wide diversity of jobs, but they all share a common goal - to provide a child in need with the one-to-one support, guidance, and friendship needed to reach his or her potential.
It takes a special person to be a Big Brother or Big Sister, and not everyone can qualify for and make the commitment to our program. At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we don't just match any adult with any child - we build relationships between adults and the youth of our communities.
The length of the match is incredibly important to the impact the relationship has on the child. Many of the children in our program have had losses in their lives, and our research shows that Big/Little matches that last less than a year can have a negative effect on the child.
As much as we appreciate people's interest, not everyone who applies has what it takes to be a Big Brother or Big Sister.
There are many factors we consider when someone applies to be a Big Brother or Big Sister:
Application Process
To learn more about you, we do a thorough background and reference check. Below is a list of requirements to become a Big Brother or Big Sister:
- Is at least 18 years old;
- Is willing to meet with their Little Brother or Little Sister at least twice a month for 2-3 hours per visit, OR one hour a week at the child’s school for the School-Based Program;
- Is willing to make a minimum of a one-year commitment to the program, and is interested in forming a long-term relationship with a child;
- Has a safe driving record (no DUIs in the last three years; no more than two moving violations within the past year);
- Has a valid California driver’s license and current car insurance;
- Has never been convicted of a felony.
You will be asked to pay a $25 application/processing fee, to cover the cost of screening you to be a potential Big. There are several options to make your payment:
- At the scheduling of your interview, you will have the opportunity to pay by credit card over phone or via fax/email with a Customer Service representative.
- In person at your interview, you may pay by credit card or personal check.
Matching Process
- We look at your interests, and weigh them against the preferences and needs of the children and families who come to us for help.
- And we consider your ability to commit to the program for a minimum of one year, but we are interested in creating relationships that last much longer (our average match lasts 30 months).
Membership Process
Upon being matched, you will be asked to become a Member of the agency through a donation of $50, made on the date of match and renewed each year. This annual membership allows the agency to facilitate events and activities for matches and provide tickets to sporting and cultural events throughout the year.
Please carefully review the two types of programs we offer, read some stories from our current Bigs and Littles, and if you feel that being a Big Brother or Big Sister is right for you, fill out our online application form.
Click the "Get Started" button below to be linked to the National Website's On-Line Application. Select Be a Big Brother or Be a Big Sister and then enter your zip code to be directed to the on-line application. Select Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire to get started.
If you have any questions about your application, please contact David Garvey, Manager of Customer Service, at 213-213-2463 or David.Garvey@bbbs.org.
