FAQs for Volunteers
How do families come to the agency?
Most of the kids who participate in the mentoring program learn about the agency through word of mouth. Depending on the age of the child, they may come to the agency from other non-profits and schools in the area. We almost always have a wait list of little sisters and brothers who want to be matched with a volunteer.
Do I have to live in New York to become a mentor?
Yes, CBSBB only services the five boroughs of New York City. We do however encourage you to seek volunteer opportunities in your area.
Some websites to help you in your search to server your community are:
What is the application process like to become a mentor?
The Agency requires everyone who is interested in becoming a Big Sister/Big Brother to participate in the following application process:
- Submit a written application which includes information about their work and school experiences. This includes a $20 application fee.
- Provide three written references, two from employers and one personal, which asks how long and in what capacity they have known the applicant.
- Attend an interview with a social work staff member.
- Participate in a background check
- Attend volunteer trainings at the agency.
If the volunteer fulfills all of these requirements, then they are notified whether or not they have been accepted into the program.
How often do I meet with the child? How long does the relationship last?
All three partners in this process – the volunteer, child and parents – agree to at least two outings per month, weekly telephone contact, and that the match will last for at least one year. Most outings are scheduled on the weekends or school holidays and the volunteer is expected to pay for most match activities (as a result, we emphasize low cost to no cost activities). Some matches (as do many friendships), last for years; others end due to life circumstances. At the first year anniversary, the matches are celebrated with an anniversary match meeting where all parties reconvene to discuss the future of the match.
What is my role in the child’s family?
The volunteer’s role is to be an older friend and mentor to the child, not another parent. Yet the volunteer WILL have a relationship with the parent, as they are the eyes and the ears behind the relationship. The volunteer is not allowed to assist the family with financial or personal dilemmas. Therefore, the matches are closely supervised by social work staff who can help families with any higher level challenges.
After the match is made, how often can I expect contact from the child and social worker from CBSBB?
The volunteer is expected to call the parent to arrange match outings. It is rare for the child to initiate phone calls for at least the first six months of the relationship.
In terms of your relationship with the CBSBB Social Worker, it is very important that you remain in contact with the agency! The Social Worker acts as your match supervisor and will want to speak with you, the child and the parent one time per month. If there are problems or issues with the match relationship, this is the person that you call. If you fail to remain in touch with the Social Worker, your match may be in jeopardy. The Social Workers at CBS are available as a resource – make sure to use them! They will make sure that your mentoring relationship remains healthy, strong and long-lasting!
