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Home > Our Programs > Families & Children's Programs > Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Barbara County

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

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Own or have access to a car
  • Resident of Santa Barbara County
  • Valid CA liability insurance
  • One year commitment
  • A few hours per week commitment

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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