Become a Big
It Takes Little to be Big!
Right now, more than 160 kids across North Alabama and Southern Tennessee are waiting for a mentor. Not a tutor, not a coach, just someone who shows up.
Being a Big does not require any special skills. It requires about an hour a week and a willingness to let a kid know that someone is in their corner. Bigs and Littles grab lunch, shoot hoops, do homework, or just talk. The relationship becomes whatever the two of you make it.
Kids with a Big are more confident in their schoolwork, more likely to graduate, and less likely to skip school or use drugs and alcohol. All from one hour a week.
What Does a Big Actually Do?
There is no script. Some Bigs and Littles bake cookies. Some go to the park every Saturday. Some just sit on a porch and talk about their week. What matters is consistency. Your Little is not looking for someone to fix their life. They are looking for someone who keeps showing up.
What It Takes
You don't need any special skills to be a Big, just a willing heart and a little bit of time. Here is what we ask of everyone who joins us:
- At least 18 years old (16 for site based mentoring)
- Able to commit to about an hour a week or a few hours per month for at least 9 months
- A positive role model
- A valid driver's license and auto insurance if you will be transporting your Little
Because we are entrusted with children's safety, every applicant goes through a background and reference check. This process exists to protect the kids in our program.
How it Works
- Submit an inquiry. It takes about 15 minutes.
- Meet with us. We will sit down together, usually at our office, to talk about what you are looking for and answer any questions.
- Complete a background check. Standard for anyone working with kids in our program.
- We check references. A quick step to make sure we are matching the right people together.
- Training. We will walk you through what to expect and how to set your Little up for success.
- Match! Upon completing the above steps you'll meet the parent of your future Little and discuss the potential match with our team. If all agree its a good fit, you'll be matched and soon meet your Little!
FAQs for Bigs
We take your preferences and match them up with the parent/guardian's and child's preferences, which we obtain from all match parties during the interview process. We want there to be a foundation to build on and do our best to match based on those preferences.
Ready to Learn More?
Share your contact information below, and our staff will reach out with more information about becoming a big and schedule your welcome interview.