BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NORTH CENTRAL ARKANSAS


Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Arkansas aims to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth by nurturing professionally supported One-to-One relationships between children and caring adults. Committed volunteers, supported by Big Brother Big Sister staff, help children achieve their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent and caring individuals. We have two programs designed to fit the needs of the families we serve and the schedules of our volunteers: Community-based and school or site-based mentoring (see below for details).

As a part of our mission to serve at-risk children, BBBSNCA offers special services to children of incarcerated parents through a grant from Centers for Youth and Families. This program, called HIP (Hope, Inspiration, and Protection) is open to children who have a parent incarcerated for a felony in a correctional facility. Though we serve children of all backgrounds in our service area (Faulkner, Yell, Pope, Johnson, and Independence Counties), the HIP program is specific to Faulkner & Perry County. Volunteers are always needed for this important program. Please contact the BBBSNCA office for more information.

Community-Based Mentoring Program

In the Community-Based Mentoring Program, children are matched with a volunteer and the two spend time together in the community doing activities they both enjoy, such as going to the park or the movies, playing sports of video games, baking, etc. Matches spend approximately 8-12 hours per month together on a schedule that works for them..

School & Site Based Mentoring Program: BIGS in School
In the School-Based Mentoring Program, children confronting academic or social difficulty are matched with adult volunteers who spend at least one hour per week with them in a school setting. Volunteers unable to meet during the school day may choose to enroll in our site-based program in which the volunteer meets with their Little at the Boys and Girls Club after school.

Through the special friendship that grows between the adult and child, personal growth occurs. Volunteers enjoy the rewards of knowing they have made an impact in a young person's life.

BIG BROTHERS AND BIG SISTERS:
Big Brothers and Big Sisters are adults who enjoy spending time with children. They must be a least 18 years old, reasonably mature and stable as determined by professional staff assessment.

LITTLE BROTHERS AND LITTLE SISTERS:
Little Brothers and Sisters are youth who have been identified as youth who are at risk of academic or social failure. However, they may also simply benefit from the extra attention that a volunteer mentor can offer. Parents may contact BBBS director or the childs teacher may refer students to a school liaison who works with Big Brother Big Sister professional staff to serve the student.

COST
There is no fee either volunteers or students to participate in the program.

THE MATCH PROCESS
Matches between student and volunteer are made on the basis of similarity of interests, the needs of the students, the strengths of the volunteer, and parental preference. Matches are supported by regular phone and in-person contacts by agency professional staff.

THE HISTORY

The need to form a Big Brothers Big Sisters program in this area was confirmed by a 1990 United Way Needs Assessment which stated that a mentoring program was needed to help with the problems that children face.

In November, 1992, the Conway Jaycees were instrumental in the formation of a steering committee to pursue this project. They also committed the initial finances necessary to apply for membership in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and to conduct the needs assessment. The Board of Directors was formed in July 1993. The task of the board is to provide the governance necessary for the activities of the corporation and to assist in securing the operational funds for the agency.