Programs
As any volunteer will tell you, the experience of being matched to a child is equally rewarding for the mentor. You get the opportunity to make a new friend, to have fun, to see a child grow and learn new skills, and to make a positive difference in a child's life. The process to become a part of Big Brother or Big Sister is easy. Read on to find the right type of program for you.
We have programs to fit any interest, lifestyle, or schedule:
One-to-one mentoring programs
Big Brother or Big Sister
Spend time each week for a minimum of 1 year with a young person ages 6-14 who needs a friend. You are matched with a child in our community and encouraged to share activities. Each match is supported by the professional team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. Learn more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister...
Big Couple
You and your spouse are matched with a child and encouraged to share everyday activities together. This program is designed for couples who want to volunteer as mentors together, thus providing role models for a caring and healthy relationship. We ask that you share time each week for a minimum of one year with your match. Learn more about becoming a big couple...
School Based Mentors:
Spend one hour a week for a minimum of one year, with a student at a local elementary or middle school. Help with reading, play tether ball or just listen. You'll meet at the school during regular class hours. Volunteers must be 16 or over and have reliable transportation. Learn more about volunteering for a school based program...
Big Buddy:
The Big Buddy program gives you the opportunity to spend one hour a week for a minimum of one year with a child at one of the local Boys and Girls Club. The hour may be spent participating in an activity of choice which may be shooting hoops, playing four-square, eating a meal, or doing homework. Learn more about the Big Buddy program...
Mealtime Buddy:
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. Learn more about the Mealtime Buddy program...
Outdoor Sports Buddies:
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks and Bass Pro Shops for Outdoor Sports Buddies. The Outdoor Sports Buddies program is designed to give a temporary, six month match to the boys on our waiting list while introducing them to the joy of sports and the great outdoors. Spend a few hours a month with your little while attending a local sporting event or outdoor activity organized by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Learn more about the Outdoor Sports Buddies program...
Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents Program:
This initiative partners volunteers with children whose parent(s) are incarcerated and matches these caring people with children of promise. Mentors are asked to share a few hours a week each month. Apply by yourself or as a Big Couple. Learn more about applying to mentor a child of incarcerated parents...
Big Brigade:
Have extra hours you'd like to spend helping? We can use office help, support at special events and much more. Call to see what is on our calendar today!