Core Mentoring
One-to-One Community Based Mentoring
The Big Brother Big Sister one-to-one community-based program, matches a Little aged 7-16 with a Big aged 18+ based on mutual experiences and shared interests. The pair meet for eight hours per month in the community and build a healthy, caring relationship that can last a lifetime. Not only do we foster relationships that allow children to thrive, but we reduce risk-taking behaviour and support healthy development.
Big Couple
One-to-One Community Based Mentoring
Married or Common Law partners who wish to volunteer together can be matched to a mentee through our Big Couples Mentoring program (an extension of the above One-to- One Community Based Mentoring Program). Couples must be over 25 years old, in their relationship for at least two years and have lived together for at least one year.
One-to-One In-School Mentoring
In the In-School Mentoring (ISM) program, volunteer mentors are matched with children and youth, identified as needing additional support in schools across Toronto. Children referred to the ISM program may face any one of a variety of barriers to educational success. The mentor and mentee meet for one hour weekly, in school, during the school-day. Children who participate in ISM have improved connection to their school community, improved academic performance, improved attendance and higher educational attainment.
Big G Program
(Intergenerational Mentoring)
The Big G Program is a one-on-one mentoring program that aims to create an intergenerational relationship between a mentor who is age 55+ and a mentee. It targets early retirees for volunteer mentorship positions and enrolls children who need the support and friendship that the Big G can provide. The Big G Program gives mentors and mentees the opportunity to share and learn from each other.
As BBBST volunteers, mentors in the Big G program will be provided with specialized asset-building training that they can use within their match, their families, or other community groups and aims to increase social satisfaction and interaction while decreasing social isolation. Adapting a hybrid model, volunteers can choose to participate in the In-School Mentoring program or Community Based one-on-one program (s. above for info about these programs).
Big Steps to Success
In partnership with the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, BBBST’s mentorship initiative ‘Big Steps to Success’ looks to bridge the education gap for children and youth who are in most need. The program is specifically designed for children and youth (7-14 years old) who are involved in the welfare system, offering customized mentoring services.
We know that having a healthy mentoring relationship with an adult can have profound effects in building resiliency in young people. Big Steps to Success’ objective is to help young people improve educational outcomes and benefit from a caring adult relationship. Each mentor-mentee (or Big-Little) pair will participate in the program for a period of three to five years, with a minimum commitment of one year.
MENTORING +
Girls Empowerment
The Girls Empowerment program works to break down barriers and build positive identity in youth who self-identify as female by fostering healthy relationships with positive adults and peers. Participants aged 10-14 meet weekly with two mentors over the course of the school year. This program aims to service high-needs, under-resourced Toronto District School Board (TDSB) schools across the city. The program provides a safe space for participants to cultivate life skills and confidence, covering topics such as healthy relationships, bullying, social media and self-esteem.
Boys Empowerment
The Boys Empowerment program works to tackle issues such as toxic masculinity and the high incidence of violence in our city. The program runs in high-needs, under-resourced TDSB schools across the city. A group of youth who self-identify as male aged 11-14 meet weekly with two mentors over the course of the school year. The curriculum focuses on gender and masculinity, anti-violence, healthy minds, problem-solving, and healthy relationships.
Pumped for Post-Secondary
We take the fear out of the unknown in our Pumped for Post-Secondary program (PFPS). Groups of High School mentees are mentored by trained and screened University/College students on a post-secondary campus throughout the school year. Through 13 group sessions, mentors empower and encourage mentees to successfully transition from High School to University/College. Focusing on the Developmental Assets of Planning & Decision Making, Self-Esteem, Sense of Purpose and Positive view of personal future, the program inspires mentees to envision themselves beyond High School.
Currently PFPS is available at New College U of T, George Brown, Humber College, and York University and is tailored to each program site.
LEARNING INTEGRATION
Our professional team want to mentor the next generation of Community Change Makers! We have numerous learning opportunities for University and College Students looking to explore the Community Service sector. Depending on Placement requirements, we may be able to provide you with the opportunity to empower one or many children and youth. We have two options for Placement Students; Experiential Placements and Service Delivery Placements.
Our intake for both Placement options occurs every April for a September start. All Placement Students must successfully complete the same enrollment and assessment process as volunteer applicants but will be provided with additional academic and professional learning supports from our experienced staff team.
If you are a Masters or PhD student and wish to approach us for a research project or business assessment, we welcome your proposals.