FAQs for Kids and Parents About Our Volunteers
How do volunteers learn about the program?
The agency and its mentoring program is listed in several of the larger volunteer referral sources – the Volunteer Referral Center, New York Cares, Volunteermatch.org, Idealist.org, etc. In addition, we make presentations to a variety of interest groups, companies and human resource departments. In the end, due to the success of our programs, most of our volunteers come to us through word of mouth.
How are the volunteers screened and selected?
The Agency requires everyone who is interested in becoming a Big Sister/Big Brother to provide us with the following information:
- A written application which includes information about their work and school experiences.
- Three written references, two from employers and one personal, which asks how long and in what capacity they have known the applicant.
- After the application and three references are received, the Social Workers interview and screen each applicant. This interview is extremely lengthy and in-depth, so that we can make sure the volunteer is appropriate for the program, and we have enough information to make the best match possible.
- After the interview, we conduct background checks on all applicants
- The applicant is also required to attend volunteer trainings at the agency.
If the volunteer fulfills all of these requirements, they are informed that they are eligible to be matched and are placed on a waiting list.
How often do the volunteers meet with my child? How long does the relationship last?
All three partners in this process – the volunteer, the 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. Some matches (as do many friendships), last for years; others, due to life circumstances end. 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.
Do parents meet and interview the volunteer?
YES! The social worker will contact you if he/she feels the volunteer and your child are well suited for one another. The social worker will provide you with information about the volunteer and you will decide whether or not you and your child would like to meet him/her.
The next step is a meeting with the social worker, the volunteer, you and your child. At this meeting, the parents and child are encouraged to ask questions of the volunteer. Often, the meeting goes extremely well and a match contract is discussed and signed. Telephone numbers and addresses are also exchanged and an outing is scheduled for your child and the mentor.
What kinds of activities will my child and the volunteer be doing?
Again, you are the expert on your daughter/son – you know what types of activities and skills you want her/him to participate in and learn. Please speak with the Mentor on a regular basis about what you want your child exposed to; the Mentor (as well as your child), will also have good ideas! Some volunteers have taught their Little Sisters/Brothers how to sew, how to use a computers and how to swim. Other matches enjoy eating out at different ethnic restaurants or going to museums. It is important to keep in mind that the volunteer is a friend to your child, NOT another parent, tutor, babysitter or therapist. The volunteer also has no financial obligation to the family.
After the match is made, how often can I expect contact from the volunteer and social worker from CBSBB?
All activities and outings are approved by and scheduled with you; the volunteer calls the parent to arrange match outings. If plans change while the pair is out (such as they decide on the way to the zoo to go to a movie instead), the volunteer will call to seek your approval.
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, your child and the volunteer 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!
How do I get involved?
Please start the application process by filling out the online application form.
