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Program Options

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Big Brothers Big Sisters offers several program options to serve our community. The interaction time between the “match” can range from 40 minutes to 4 hours per week. Every program has proven results! Volunteers are not asked to spend money to make a difference in the child’s life. The individual attention given to the child creates the magic.

In the community program a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple spends 2-4 hours per week with one child and agrees to a year commitment. Couples married for at least two years are eligible to be a Big Couple. The volunteers have permission to pick the child up from their home and take them to various activities. Going on a picnic, watching a movie, or taking a walk in the park are just a few ways to create the magic. Discount rates are offered at many Lafayette restaurants and recreational facilities for “Bigs” and “Littles.”

Volunteers and children participating in the School Program meet at the child’s school one day a week during the lunch/recess hour for one school year. Activities may include sharing lunch, playing games, helping with schoolwork, or just talking and getting to know one another.

A partnership between the YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters provides another site-based option. Big Brothers and Big Sisters will be matched with children in the YMCA aftercare program. Matches will meet for one hour each week at the YMCA and will have access to the Y facilities at no charge during their visits.

Our Faith-Based “Bigs” have the opportunity to discuss their faith as well as encourage the faith journey of the “Littles.” The preference of the parents or guardians regarding a particular faith is always sought and honored. The “Bigs” agree to engage in community service activities with their “Littles” and commit to meet regularly for one year.

This program is a partnership between the Juvenile Probation Department, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wabash Valley and several faith communities. Nonviolent juvenile offenders referred by the Juvenile Probation Department who have chosen to participate in this program will be matched in a mentoring relationship with either individuals or couples from a faith community.

Children between the ages of six and eighteen whose parent/guardian has requested a mentoring relationship with a faith focus will be matched with either individuals or couples from a faith community.