Our Mentoring Programs
Our mentoring programs provide children and youth with a role model, a friend to talk to, someone to share experiences with and help guide them through the everyday challenges of growing up.
With the ongoing support by BBBS caseworkers, our volunteer mentors act as champions for their mentees, provide greater consistency in their lives, connect them to broader experiences, opportunities, and provide safe, nonjudgmental environments in which the child or youth can confide anything.
Click here to find out how YOU can Become a Mentor
For more information, email bbbswi@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
Traditional 1:1 Mentoring
This program provides youth with a mentor in their community that serves as a role model and a friend to talk to and share life experiences with
- Youth Mentee: 6-16 years old
- Mentor: +18 years old / Minimum 1-year commitment
- Time Commitment: 3-4 hours every two weeks (self-directed schedule)
- Location: in the community (self-directed)
In-School Mentoring (grades 1-6)
Mentors meet with elementary-age children in a local community school to engage in activities together, talk and connect. Through these individualized interactions, mentors build trust with students and help them work through their challenges.
- Youth mentee: students in grade 1-6 (ages 6-12) referred by the school)
- Mentor: +16 years old
- Location: in local community school
- Time Commitment: 1 hour a week for the duration of the school year (no PED days or holidays)
- Minimum 1-academic year commitment
16-21 Mentoring (Youth Protection Act)
Youth and young adults who receive services from the Youth Protection Act or the Youth Criminal Justice Act or have a history of involvement or experience in foster care. They are matched with a positive influence that guide them through their transition to adulthood.
- Youth Mentee: 14-21 years old
- Mentor: +25 years old / Minimum 1-year commitment
- Location: in the community (self-directed)
- Time commitment: 3-4 hours every two weeks.
Group Mentoring – TEAM Mentoring
1-2 mentors will work together with 2-4 mentees with similar interests. This team works in a collaborative, and guided environment. Mentees will learn social skills, support for one another, develop leadership and team work skills during their monthly get togethers. Activities will be age appropriate and most of all fun!
- Youth Mentee: 6-17 years old
- Mentor(s): +18 years old / Minimum 1-year commitment
- Location: in the community (self-directed)
- Time commitment: 3-4 hours monthly
Group Mentoring – LEARN & GROW
Divided into 2 groups based on age (6-12 / 13-17), this is an interactive activity session organized by BBBS West Island. The activity sessions will provide life skills focusing in areas such as decision-making, problem-solving, communication, financial literacy, and emotional regulation. Mentees will be matched with volunteer mentors in small groups during the sessions. There will be 4 sessions per year for each age group. Activities will be age appropriate and most of all fun!
- Youth Mentee: 6-17 years old
- Mentor(s): +18 years old / Minimum 1-year commitment
- Location: as determined by BBBS West island
- Time commitment: each age group: 3-4 hours on weekend/ 4 times a year
