Meal Time Buddy
Think back to your childhood. What can you remember doing as a family? Maybe gathering around the table sharing good food and conversation with loved ones.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield to provide that wonderful memory to children served through the club.
The Meal Time Buddy program is designed to give the volunteer an opportunity to spend one hour a week with a child at one of the three Boys and Girls Clubs. This program provides the chance to build friendships between adult volunteers and kids. The first part of the hour is spent sharing a meal with your buddy, which is free to the volunteer and the remaining time is spent sharing an activity of choice. It may be shooting hoops, a game of pool, playing a board game or just sharing conversation.
Boys and Girls Club staff recommends a child for participation in the program, and parents must approve before a child is served. The volunteer must be at least 16 years old, have reliable transportation to the club, be screened through a criminal background check, if over 18, and have two references. Safety of our volunteers and children is always our number one priority.
After placement at one of the Boys and Girls Clubs, each volunteer is directed through onsite supervisors who are members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff. The Meal Time Buddy Coordinator in turn, supervises the on site employees. Evaluations are done with both the volunteer and child throughout the semester. On site supervisors are typically college students pursuing a degree in education or social sciences, often they have previously served as a Meal Time Buddy or After School Mentor.
Participating Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield
Henderson Unit , 835 W. Calhoun, Springfield, MO 65802 (417) 862-4526
Stalnaker Unit , 1410 N. Fremont, Springfield , MO 65802 (417) 865-2821
Musgrave Unit , 720 S. Park, Springfield , MO 65802 (417) 9869-8211
Click here to complete an inquiry form ~ this is not a commitment to volunteer. A staff member will contact you within 24 hours to answer any questions you may have and provide an application to be a Meal Time Buddy.