Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Barbara County
Mission Statement
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to improve the quality
of lives of children, primarily from single parent families, through
caring and supportive Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
Volunteer Qualifications
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- Own or have access to a car
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- Resident of Santa Barbara County
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- Valid CA liability insurance
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- A few hours per week commitment
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Support for Big Brothers and Big
Sisters
Monthly Supervision
Once you submit your application, you will be assigned to a trained
case manager who will take you through the screening process. Once
you are matched, your case manager will provide ongoing support and
guidance for you and your Little Brother or Sister throughout the
duration of your match.
Ongoing Training
Trainings are offered on a regular basis on topics such as stages
of youth development, cultural awareness, children with special needs,
and recognizing signs of abuse.
Group Activities
Quarterly group activities are organized which allow Big Brothers
and Sisters and their "Littles" to interact with other matches.
Past activities have included camping trips, picnics, Dodger's games
and group volunteer activities.
Discounts and Bonuses
There are many hidden bonuses to being a Big Brother or Sister, including
discounts from local businesses and free tickets to events and activities.
What Is It Like to be Matched?
Big Brother/Little Brother and Big Sister/Little Sister matches vary
from one to the next depending upon the interests of the pair. One
match may spend time doing projects together and working on homework,
while another match might focus more on outdoor activities. Big Brothers
and Big Sisters may take their Littles to the beach, prepare a meal
together, research a topic at the library, learn a new sport, create
a scrapbook, play catch, visit museums, window shop, work on a homework
project, talk, and just have fun together. Mentors frequently tell
us that they get so much out of being in the program; they enjoy and
benefit from the relationship as much as the children with whom they
are matched.
Orientation and Training for New and
Interested Volunteers
New Volunteer Orientations are offered on the second Wednesday
of each month from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. You are more than welcome
to come (with or without RSVP.) Call (805) 965-1001 for more information
on these and other scheduled orientations.
Download a Volunteer Enrollment Form (PDF)
(Click here for downloading instructions)
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