We currently have over 150 children on our waiting list!
Volunteer Information
Sure you're busy! It's hard to juggle work, family, and other obligations. But it doesn't take much to become a Big Brother or a Big Sister. Just a few hours a month can make a huge difference in the life of a child. Many of our volunteers were probably asking the same thing you're asking, 'Can I really do this?' And the answer is yes! We'll help you along the way. Not only will we provide you with a hand-picked match, we will also provide monthly support from our caring staff.
Community-based
This one-to-one mentoring option allows you the opportunity to pick up your Little Brother or Little Sister at the child's home and spend time each week in the community. Outings can range from going for a walk, working on arts & crafts, taking a bike ride, or watching a movie. Remember, it's not the money you spend but the time spent doing activities together.
Big Couples
This option is the same as One-to-One Mentoring, except a married couple share the responsibility of mentoring. With our Big Couples, we match boys since we have more on the waiting list than girls.
Sports Buddies
Why sit on the sidelines, when you can get in the game? Guys, Sports Buddies is a great way to get involved in mentoring at a minimum of two times a month, by doing what you love to do: play ball, shoot hoops, run the bases, or go fishing. Sports Buddies is a chance for Bigs and Littles to enjoy sports together twice a month. Sports teach life skills, goal setting, character, and sportsmanship.
Site-based
In this option, volunteers meet with their Little Brother or Little Sister one hour a week at a near-by school. Many volunteers visit on their way into work, during their lunch hour, or perhaps during a long break during the day. (Check with your employer, some businesses allow their staff time off to mentor.)
We currently have "Site-based" mentoring opportunities at these locations:
Escambia County:
Navy Point Elementary School
O. J. Semmes Elementary School
Santa Rosa County: East Milton Elementary School
Bagdad Elementary School
Rhodes Elementary School
BIG Talk
Attention Escambia and Santa Rosa County Bigs: "BIG Talk" is a once a month mentor training/round table discussion for Bigs to get together with other Bigs and BBBS staff. During this time it is our hope to provide you with the support, inspiration, and resources you need to make your match stronger. You will discuss match issues, get feedback, share your thoughts, and meet new friends. If you need some answers or would like to share your experiences, this is the place for you!
Mark you calendars for the first Thursday of every month, at either lunch or after work. Two options to choose from: Lunch will be from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. and after work will be from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. If you attend the lunch session, you may bring your lunch with you.
If you are interested in joining us, please send your RSVP to Krissy Smith at ksmith@bbbsnwfl.org and let us know which meeting you will be attending. We will be meeting at Big Brothers Big Sisters Pensacola office, 1149 Creighton Road, Suite 1.
It is our plan to roll this program out in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties first, then add Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties by the end of the year. We are excited and hope you will join us.
How to Volunteer
Do you want to be a Mentor? It is a rewarding experience. Click the email link and let us know your name, telephone number, email address, the county you live in, time of day to best contact you and if you prefer us to contact you by telephone or email. A member of our agency will contact you shortly thereafter to arrange a meeting and interview. In the meantime, feel free to continue to browse our site and discover more about our agency!
