If you don't see your question below, you can contact a Recruitment team member by messaging enroll@bbbsomaha.org.
Community-Based Mentoring FAQs
Q) Who are the Bigs in the program?
A) "Bigs" are what we call our mentors, they come from diverse backgrounds just like our youth or "Littles". They are regular people, just like you. You don't need any special degrees, skills, or expertise. You just have to want to make a positive impact on a young person. Role models come in all shapes and sizes, and you could be the perfect fit.
Q) What are the requirements to become a Big?
A) Bigs must be:
-19 years or older. (Our current Bigs range from 19 to 70+)
-a high school graduate or hold a GED.
-have a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance.
-meet specific criminal history and automobile driving guidelines.
Big Couples:
In addition to the requirements above, couples have to be married or have been in a relationship for three or more years. They also have to live together, but don't have to live together for three years.
Q) What kind of support can I expect from BBBSM once I get matched?
A) Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be assigned to your match. This trained professional will be in regular contact with you, your Little, and your Little's parent/guardian(s) to provide assistance, resources, and support. Any time you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help.
Q) How much time will I be expected to spend with my Little?
A) Bigs will pick their Little up at their home and spend at least four hours a month doing outings.
Q) What activities can I do with my Little?
A) Bigs will communicate with their Little and their parent/guardian(s) to schedule activities. It is up to both parties to decide what activities they would like to do. We also offer at least two activities a month, free of cost for all matches. (Activities with a higher risk of injury require the signature of a High-Risk Activity Form from all parties.)
Q) Can I bring my spouse, a friend, or a family member on outings?
A) In the beginning, it’s most important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. However, over time, it’s also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just keep in mind that if you’re spending a lot of time with others, your Little may start to feel jealous or neglected. The main focus is the connection you develop with your Little.
Q) How long can a match last?
A) We ask for a minimum commitment of one year for each match we make. However, if both parties wish, matches may remain active until the Little turns 21.
Q) How long will it take to get matched?
A) We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The waiting period varies. At our agency, we typically have a list of close to 100 Littles waiting to be matched at any given time.
Q) Is there a cost involved with this program?
A) Your financial output should be very minimal. We encourage our matches to do low and no-cost activities. Your assigned Match Support Specialist can help you with activity ideas. Littles are expected to pay their own way when activities involve a cost. We also have a list of participating businesses that give special discounts to our matches.
Q) May I choose the type of youth I will be matched with?
A) Through the interview process, our Enrollment Coordinators will get to know you and will work with you to identify a youth with whom you will be best matched, based upon age, background, interests, and other factors.
Q) Does BBBSM accept LGBTQIA2S+ volunteers?
A) We value diversity, and no person will be denied equal opportunity to volunteer because of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Preferences, fit, and similarity of interests are taken into consideration when matching individuals together. As part of the matching process, we will disclose such information to the parent/guardian(s). If preferences are not aligned, BBBSM will work to find a Little who we believe will be a good match for you.
Q) What happens if my match doesn’t work out well?
A) We do everything in our power to create a match we think will last; however, we realize that sometimes things happen in life. Bigs or Littles move, situations change or something doesn’t work out. We will attempt to mediate the situation, but if it doesn’t work out, we will end the match. If this happens, your Match Support Specialist will be there to support you every step of the way and handle it in the best way possible. A Big should never just drop out of a Little’s life without closure, as this is very detrimental to the child.
MentorU FAQs
Q) Can I be a mentor in MentorU and Community-Based Mentoring?
A) No, in our organization, we encourage one-to-one mentoring because it creates the strongest outcomes. Additionally, we do not match individuals already mentoring at other agencies for the same reason.
Q) What is MentorU?
A) MentorU is our Site-Based Mentoring program. MentorU combines classroom instruction, technology, and mentorship to support students until graduation. Each student is enrolled in a MentorU classroom and has the opportunity to be matched with a mentor. Matched students meet with their mentor monthly for an activity and message on a secure platform about the different things they are learning in the MentorU classroom.
Q) What schools is MentorU in?
A) MentorU is currently in Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln High Schools in Council Bluffs, and Millard North and Keith Horizon High Schools in Omaha.
Q) What is the time commitment?
A) You only need 2.5 hours a month to make a difference in a student’s life. This includes attending one MentorU meetup each month and staying connected with your student through messaging between meetups.
MentorU asks mentors to make a two-year academic commitment. Because the monthly time commitment is minimal, two years gives you and your student time to build a strong, consistent relationship and allows you to support them through multiple stages of their high school journey.
Q) What is the messaging platform?
A) Chronus is our secure platform where all communication about the program will occur. Chronus is specifically designed for this program, giving both the student and the mentor a wraparound of support and safety. Students and mentors exclusively communicate on this platform, which is monitored by staff 24/7.
Q) Where are the students from? How do they get involved with the program?
A) Students are selected by their middle school counselors for the program and recommended for their freshman advisement based on various factors. Each student enrolled in the MentorU classroom has been identified as someone who needs extra support in their life.
Students enrolled in the MentorU classroom have to apply to be matched with a mentor.
Q) What is taught in class?
A) The curriculum taught is adapted from established programs nationally. MentorU focuses on relationship building, self-esteem, goal setting, future planning, and community building. MentorU is not a tutoring program.
Q) When are the Mentor Meetup event dates? What do you do?
A) Each school has its own event schedule. Events are typically after school, with the exception of Horizon’s lunchtime event schedule. Event dates are set for volunteer and student convenience before the school year starts. Volunteers can discuss what school makes the most sense for them in the interview.
Meetups are a meal and an activity with your student. We do a variety of different relationship-building activities centered on having fun and learning more about each other.
Q) How is this different from other Site-Based Mentoring programs?
A) MentorU goes beyond traditional Site-Based Mentoring by providing students with multiple layers of consistent, individualized support. MentorU staff are actively involved in the classroom, where they facilitate curriculum and group mentoring, and are also present during monthly Mentor Meetups to support students and mentors.
Our staff regularly collaborates with school staff and counselors to better understand and respond to each student’s needs. In addition to support from their mentor, every student receives individualized guidance and resources from the MentorU team, creating a comprehensive network of support throughout their high school journey.
