Accordion Content
What if every child fulfilled their potential? Think how amazing that would be and how amazing our communities would be. Learn more about becoming a Big and find resources for current Bigs.
As a parent, you recognize the potential of your child better than anyone. By giving them the opportunity to be part of Big Brothers Big Sisters, you’re starting them down a path to an even brighter, more promising future.
How we make a positive impact on children – empowering them to succeed. Meet the compassionate and dedicated group of individuals willing to do whatever it takes to help change children’s lives for the better.
Changing Perspectives. Changing Lives.
Since its inception, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As part of the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission
Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Vision
All youth achieve their full potential.
YMCA of Snohomish County’s premier mentorship program
Since merging to become part of our Y in 2001, we’ve provided the unique benefits of a Y to our program participants.
BIG IMPACT—PROVEN RESULTS
We’ve always known we were making a positive impact on children and empowering them to succeed. A nationwide study confirmed it for us. Each time Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs a child with a role model, we start something incredible: a one-to-one relationship built on trust and friendship that can blossom into a future of unlimited potential.
THE STUDY
Public/Private Ventures, an independent Philadelphia-based national research organization, looked at over 950 boys and girls from eight Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the country selected for their large size and geographic diversity. This study, published in 1995 is widely considered to be foundational to the mentoring field in general and to Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based program in particular.
Approximately half of the children were randomly chosen to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. The others were assigned to a waiting list. The matched children met with their Big Brothers or Big Sisters about three times a month for an average of one year.
Researchers surveyed both the matched and unmatched children, and their parents on two occasions: when they first applied for a Big Brother or Big Sister, and again 18 months later.
THE RESULTS
Researchers found that after 18 months of spending time with their Bigs, the Little Brothers and Little Sisters, compared to those children not in our program, were:
They also found that the Littles were more confident of their performance in schoolwork and getting along better with their families.
“These dramatic findings are very good news, particularly at a time when many people contend that ‘nothing works’ in reaching teenagers,” said Gary Walker, then-President of Public/Private Ventures. “This program suggests a strategy the country can build on to make a difference, especially for youth in single-parent families.”
The study found that Big Brothers Big Sisters’ matches consistently spend more time together, and continue as a match for longer periods, than those in other mentoring programs that Public/Private Ventures had studied. Big Brothers Big Sisters programs were found to “focus less on specific problems after they occur, and more on meeting youths’ most basic developmental needs.”
The matches that P/PV researchers observed shared everyday activities: eating out, playing sports or attending sports events, going to movies, sightseeing, and just hanging out together.
But what mattered to the children were not the activities. It was the fact that they had a caring adult in their lives. Because they had someone to confide in and to look up to, they were, in turn, doing better in school and at home. And at a time in their lives when even small choices can change the course of their future, the Littles were also avoiding violence and substance abuse.
Public/Private Ventures, a national research organization with more than 30 years of experience in studying child development and social service issues, conducted the independent research. The study was funded by the Lilly Endowment, the Commonwealth Fund, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and an anonymous donor.
HISTORY
At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’ve been impacting the lives of children for more 100 years. And we’re just getting started.
More than 100 Years of History
For over a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been helping change kids’ perspectives and giving them the opportunity to reach their potential. And we have over a century of volunteers, donors, and advocates just like you to thank.
Big Brothers Big Sisters remains true to our founders’ vision of bringing caring role models into the lives of children.
Some key moments in our history:
1904 Ernest Coulter founds the organized Big Brothers movement by obtaining 39 volunteers, who each agree to befriend one boy.
1934 President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt become patrons of Big Brothers and Big Sisters Federation.
1977 Big Sisters International and Big Brothers Association merge, forming Big Brothers Big Sisters of America with 357 agencies.
1987 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County opens its doors
1995 Public/Private Ventures Study on Big Brothers Big Sisters Community-Based Mentoring shows measurable, positive results on youth who have a Big Brother or Sister, seminal research in the field of youth mentoring.
2001 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County and the YMCA of Snohomish County merge
2003 President George W. Bush announces three-year $450 million mentoring initiative in his State of the Union Address.
2007 Public/Private Ventures conducts a study on Big Brothers Big Sisters School-Based Mentoring program, reinforcing the value of strong, long-lasting relationships and leading to program enhancements.
2010 President Obama holds a White House National Mentoring Month Ceremony; Big Brothers Big Sisters attends and plays a key role.
Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do. Not to mention, one of the most fulfilling. You have the opportunity to help shape a child’s future for the better by empowering them to achieve their full potential. And the best part is, it’s actually a lot of fun. You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do.
Play sports together. Go on a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy them even more with your Little and you’ll be making a life-changing impact.
Volunteering just a few hours a month can make an impact like never before! So why not apply to be a Big today. We have kids on our wait list just ready to get started.
Steps to Become a Big
Complete the online application or inquire via email with BBBS staff. Upon inquiring you will receive a call and/or email from our agency as soon as possible to answer any questions and help make sure all of your information is submitted and complete.
In addition to your application, you’ll be asked to supply several pieces of information: a copy of your driver’s license, a printed statement of your auto insurance liability coverage, and the names of three references.
After application is submitted, our enrollment specialist will run local and national background check(s), these take about 24-72 hours to complete.
Once all applications materials have been received and background checks have been completed, you will receive an invitations to schedule your in-person (located at the Everett YMCA) or Zoom interview with a Case Manager.
This interview is to get to know you better, so that Big Brothers Big Sisters can help make a match that takes into account your interests, background, and personality.
After a final decision on acceptance in the program is reached, we will use the information you provided during the interview to find a “Little” who would be a good match for you.
Throughout the enrollment process and well into being a Big, BBBS wants Bigs to feel they are supported and given the tools and knowledge to success in their match. To do that, BBBS have Bigs go through a series of trainings.
Case managers meet on an ongoing basis to review applications and matches. Once they believe they have found a Little for a Big, they will reach out to the Big, parent/guardian and Little to confirm the match.
A match meeting will be scheduled with your Case Manager, your Little, and with the parent/guardian. This is a chance for you to start getting to know each other in a supported environment. Your Case Manager will help you introduce yourselves, go over ground rules and policies, and help you talk through what your first meeting together might be.
Depending on the Mentorship Program, you have selected, you will be free to make plans to meet with your Little in the community with approval by their parent/guardian.
Your Case Manager will support you throughout your match relationship, through regular contact. These contacts are made mostly by phone or in person, and they give you an opportunity to celebrate your successes and voice any concerns you may have with someone who cares and is dedicated to making your match a lasting and fun mentor relationship.
Mentor Programs
This is where we have the largest need for Bigs, especially males. Being a Community-Based Big means that you can meet up with a child in your community 2 to 4 times per month, for 1 year, to do things you both enjoy on days and times that are convenient for your schedule. Go to the park, watch a sporting event, grab a pizza, do homework or just give some advice and inspiration – you choose the activity and days!
Meet with your Little Brother or Little Sister at their elementary school for about 45 minutes to 1 hour per week (or at least twice a month) during the child’s lunch break and recess time. Bigs and Littles spend time playing games, participating in structured activities, working on homework and hanging out on the playground together. Currently, we offer school-based programs in the Everett, Edmonds, Sultan, and Mukilteo School Districts.
Is a type of School-Based mentoring program where struggling readers work in a group setting on literacy skills, including reading comprehension, discussion skills, and writing responses to age-appropriate literature. Our Kids Book Club(s) usually meet once a week during lunch/recess time or after school with 2 Bugs and a group of 4 – 6 Littles.
MentorU leverages the proven power of mentoring for college and career success. This mentoring program partners with a local school, where the students communicate with their mentors through online portals as well as meet up once a month at their school.
MentorU provides screened and trained volunteer mentors for students facing academic and personal challenges intended to keep them on track for graduation and success. The mission of MentorU is to help students develop personal, academic and career skills.
Small Group Mentoring (SGM) is a group mentoring program designed to address the needs of Littles awaiting a one-to-one match and engaging our Bigs. It provides Bigs and Littles the opportunity to participate in facilitated group mentoring activities. All children and volunteers accepted into our program can immediately become members until matched in the Community-Based mentoring program. SGM Bigs are required to attend at least six (6) activities per year; thus, many additional volunteers with busy schedules have the opportunity to mentor with the agency if they don’t have enough time for a Community-Based or School-Based match.
We can work with you to customize a program where your company employees meet with children from a local school during their lunch time. We call this program Beyond School Walls. Typically, students (Littles) are bused to your place of business twice a month and are matched with employees (Bigs) for approximately 9 months. During the time together, Bigs and Littles play games, participate in group activities, and work on homework – all while enjoying lunch together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County provides children facing adversity with caring mentors who help provide individual guidance and support.
By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers and others in the community, we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:
A ‘Big’ is an adult mentor who is matched with a youth (‘Little’) in our program.
A Big is a defender of potential, a friend, a supporter, and a positive and consistent addition to the life of a Little. Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and Big Couples are not replacement parents, babysitters or therapists. Instead, a Big is someone who shares a different perspective on life and helps their Little realize their endless potential.
A ‘Little’ is a child in our program between the ages of 6 and 18. Our Littles come from various backgrounds, neighborhoods and schools. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult.
Another required training is “Child Abuse Prevention Training” through the Redwood Institute. This is a 1 hour, online training.
We hold ourselves accountable to measurable outcomes for the kids in our program. We conduct a Youth Outcome Survey (YOS) to see those real, measurable results for ourselves.
Both Bigs and Littles are interviewed by our staff so we can get to know them and match them based on shared interests and personality to make a good match and lasting friendship. We do our best to make connecting with your Little as convenient as possible by considering your location and travel preferences. To make the best possible match, we also take into account things such as preferences, personalities and cultural background. We work hard to make a match that is compatible so your friendship will last a lifetime.
To become a Big, we ask that our volunteer mentors:
There are several reasons you may be on our waitlist after either inquiring to become a mentor or after you have been accepted as a mentor in our program. Historically, we have received a greater number of potential Big Sister inquiries than Big Brother inquiries, and we have a greater need for Big Brothers, so Big Sisters may have to wait a bit longer to be interviewed or matched. We may be waiting for your background check, DMV check, or references to return our calls. We may not have a child ready to be matched within the parameters or location in which you were looking for. We do appreciate your patience. Please know that we are doing everything we can to find the right match for you.
Once a Big and a Little are matched, they are assigned a Case Manager who will oversee and monitor the match for its duration. Our staff check in with mentors, the child and their parent/guardian once a month for the first year of the match, then quarterly after that. Our Case Managers are always available as a resource, to guide and assist with any issues or difficulties, and to ensure that all parties are benefiting from the relationship.
Most matches do simple, everyday activities and often begin their match with outings conducive to talking. Bigs and Littles have lots to learn about each other. We stress ‘no to low cost’ activities that strengthen the relationship while building confidence and exposing the Little to new things. Many matches do community service activities together or play catch in the park, bake cookies, go bowling, take bike rides or walks, or just hang out. We do receive limited numbers of donated tickets throughout the year, which we offer to our matches on a first come, first serve basis.
Big Resources
In order to help you come up with some activities to do with your Littles, we’ve included a list of them here. Age ranges are guidelines only—many activities are appropriate for children of all ages! Please remember to regularly talk through activities with your Little’s parent or guardian—they are an important part of your match. And remember, have fun!
Could your little one use a big?
It all starts with the right role models. And Big Brothers Big Sisters is the place to start a relationship with one. For over 100 years, due in large part to private donations, we’ve been able to recruit, screen, match, and support mentoring relationships that have changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people across the country—one Little at a time.
You’ll feel the impact as much as your child.
A study for Big Brothers Big Sisters found that kids matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister:
Role of Parents
You know what’s best for your child. So we’ll need your help from the start, providing information about your child’s strengths and needs, and ultimately approving the Big Brother or Big Sister match. But your role doesn’t end there.
What is your role?
When it comes to the future of our children and the well-being of our communities, we’re all in this together. So it should come as no surprise that we need the parents and guardians of Littles to be involved every step of the way, starting with the initial match.
Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs, but you’ll also approve the selection of the Big Brother or Big Sister. Once the match is made, you remain closely involved in many ways, including:
Safety From the Start
Your child’s safety is our number one priority. Big Brothers Big Sisters conducts a thorough background check on every volunteer in our program, and every relationship is closely monitored and supported by a professionally trained Case Manager.
Child Safety is First
Making the best possible match between Little and Big is critical to the growth and development of a child. But before we begin the matching process, we start by thoroughly screening potential Bigs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters National Standards of Excellence require each volunteer to complete an extensive screening process that includes:
Big Brothers Big Sisters also provides child-safety tips to you and your child, and we welcome your questions and feedback. Throughout the life of the match, our professional staff will be in ongoing communication with you, your child, and your child’s Big. It’s the best way to build a strong relationship that will have the greatest impact on your child’s future success.
Enrollment Steps
Complete the online application. This will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete for each Youth Application. With high enrollment, there is currently a long waitlist.
If you have any questions or would prefer a paper copy, feel free to reach out to the Program Director, Jodie Hevelone-Whittlesey, at [email protected] or 425 258 1411.
Once the online application is submitted, you will receive another email confirming we have received your application and providing directions for your next steps, which is to sign up for an interview, in person (at our office location) or via Zoom. The email will include all our Case Manager’s calendar links, and you will be able to sign up for a time that works for you.
The parent/guardian interview is typically 60 minutes, and the youth interview is 15–20 minutes. This interview helps us get to know you and your child(ren) better, so that Big Brothers Big Sisters can make a match that takes into account your child’s interests, background, and personality.
After a final decision on acceptance in the program is reached, we will use the information you provided in the interview to find a Big who would be a good match for you child. You will be contacted and presented with a Big’s profile to determine if this is a potential match.
Post interview your Case Manager will sign you up for a 1-hour online training called “Your Child’s Personal Safety.” This is a required training of all our parents/guardians. We cannot accept a child into the program until this training is completed.
A match meeting will be scheduled with you, your child, your Case Manager, and the Big Brother/Big Sister. This is a chance for you to start getting to know each other in a supported environment. Your Case Manager will help you introduce yourselves, go over ground rules and policies, and help you talk through what your first meeting together might be.
Once the match is underway, you and the Big will work together to schedule match outings. Your Case Manager will support you throughout your match relationship, through regular contact. These contacts are made mostly by phone or in person, and they give you an opportunity to celebrate the match’s successes and voice any concerns you may have with someone who cares and is dedicated to making your child’s match a lasting and fun mentor relationship.
From our Executive Team to our Board of Directors, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County has a compassionate and dedicated group of individuals on our side that are willing to do whatever it takes to help change children’s lives for the better.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Kim Gaffney, YMCA Executive Director of Youth Leadership
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cyrus O’Bryant, Realogics Sotheby’s International Real Estate
Chair
Matt Carothers, SAP Concur
Vice Chair
Melissa Almli, Premera/LifeWise Plan of Washington
Secretary
Rich Olson, Sealth Aero Marine
Treasurer
Allen Abbott, Chicago Title
Wayne Barringer, WBC In-House Advisors
Josh Cummins, Boeing
Carrie DeRousse, Decide Massage
Clint Diehm, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Joe Ennis, Homebridge Mortgage
Dan Gunderson, Windermere Real Estate
Cathi Lee, Drivelines NW
Charles Miller, The Walt Disney Company
Aimee Mills-Dohner, Windermere Real Estate
Nick Pembroke, McClain Insurance Services
Stefanie Rautio, Boeing
Molly Ringo, Everett Public Schools
ADVISORY BOARD
Mike Ellis, Aramark
Steve Erickson, Wells Fargo
Leslie Lauer, Boeing
Rick Lawton, RPM Partners
John Tubbesing, Boeing
The YMCA of Snohomish County is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax-exempt FIN: 91-0565561
The YMCA of Snohomish County is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax-exempt FIN: 91-0565561
