WE ARE DEFENDERS OF POTENTIAL
You can change the world
You can change the world of a Little by empowering them to reach 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 it even more with your Little— and you'll be making a life-changing impact. Volunteering just a few hours a month with a child can impact their potential. Apply to be a Big today!
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WE DO OUR HOMEWORK!
Before we make a match, we do our homework. After someone expresses an interest in becoming a Big, they go through an extensive background check, Pre-Match training, and careful interview process. Then we match Bigs and Littles based on location, personalities and preferences. And we provide full support from the start, so matches can grow into lasting, meaningful friendships. It’s also important to note that the entire matching process is made possible through donations, —we can’t do what we do best without them!
COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM
Is having fun a part of your life? For just two hours a week, you could spend time with a child as a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple. If you are planning to stay in the Butte area for at least a year, you may be ready for a positive experience with a Little Brother or Little Sister.
Each match is unique. Getting together doesn't require a special occasion or expensive activity, —just a few hours every week doing things the Little and Big already enjoy.
The community-based program allows some flexibility on when you and your little will meet as long as communication is kept with your Littles guardian and Match Support Specialist!
​It's life-changing
Meeting with your little out in the community has the power to open their eyes to opportunities and interests they would have never thought they could possess. To pass on an empowering feeling such as this is sure to stick with your little forever, and you as well!
​Being a part of the this program also allows you to take part in our Big Little Outings and also our 2 FOR 1 PROGRAM!
Our outings are free of charge and offer an opportunity for matches to get together to form a connection with one another. The 2 FOR 1 program is complementary of businesses in our town! When out with your little strengthening your 1 to 1 relationship, you are able to go into the participating businesses and receive discounted or free services for your little. Places such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Bonanza Freeze, The Museum of Mining, The YMCA and many more generously take part in this program!
SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM
Would you like a break from your day, whether it be work, college, or high school? For only one hour a week, you could start spending time as a Mentor. If your time is limited, this may be the best volunteer opportunity for you. Spending time with kids is a great way to keep you energized for the rest of the day. Our focus is to place you with a child to enhance their academic and social skills.
We adapt to your availability and your strengths at the school of your choice within those we serve. Many businesses offer "time release" for volunteers. Check with your employer. We also offer on-site presentations about our services at your place of business.
It’'s teacher-approved
Some of the biggest supporters of our School-Based Mentoring program are actually teachers. They see students come back from their time with their Big filled with confidence, smiling big, ready to learn and eager to succeed.
Learning about life
Although it takes place at schools, our School-Based Mentoring program isn’t limited to the classroom. Of course, some Littles do talk with their Bigs about class, or do homework, or read together, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot hoops in the gym or play on the playground. At the end of the day, it's really all about starting a friendship, providing guidance and inspiring them to reach their potential.
Now serving: Margaret Leary Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, West Elementary, Whittier Elementary and Emerson Elementary
YOUTH PROTECTION
School Based/Committee for Children, Personal Safety Curriculum (Talking About Touching)
Talking About Touching is designed for kindergarten through third grade and helps students develop skills that will keep them safe from dangerous and abusive situations and learn to ask for help when they need it. The curriculum includes the following: learning car and bike safety, asking first - accepting gifts and going with people, saying no to unsafe touches and telling, learning traffic safety, safe touches, dealing with unsafe touches, and learning fire safety.
This program first began at West Elementary and with the help of a community collaboration has been able to expand to all Butte elementary schools. Currently Big Brothers Big Sisters trains the youth and teachers in kindergarten through third grade throughout the school district.
Community Based Youth Protection
The Community-Based Youth Protection trainings have been mandatory since 1986 and are designed for all incoming volunteers and children (with their parents/guardians) that want to be enrolled and matched in our Community Based program. These trainings are mandatory and teach our children about the different types of abuse and make sure they have the proper tools and knowledge on how to protect themselves. The youth protection programs are designed appropriately for each age group and type of enrollment (parent-child or an adult volunteer enrollment).