Community Mentoring
Thank you for your interest in our Community based mentoring programs. At this time we are only accepting new referrals to our Big Brothers, Big Sisters or Big Sibling program from our partners within Family Resource Networks or youth and families with involvement with Children and Family Services.
However, we're happy to announce that general intake for our PRISM program will re-open applications starting April 22, 2024. Please submit referrals for PRISM to Rachel Leaf at rachel.leaf@bgcbigs.ca or by calling 780-490-6843.
Due to overwhelming requests for mentorship and connection over the past year, we have had to close our general intake for new youth applications. We're continuing our efforts in Volunteer Recruitment and are piloting a new site-based mentoring program to better serve the youth who are currently on our waitlists. We hope to further increase our capacity for new youth in the future. Stay tuned.
Big Brothers Big Sisters or Big Sibling Program
Traditionally known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentoring programs have grown in their diversity over the years. We’ll match your child with a Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Sibling who will spend time with them out in the community. The focus is on positive role modelling.
In addition, we enroll young people who have had involvement with Children Services and could be living in alternate arrangements such as Foster Homes, Group Homes, or Kinship placements.
Kids Served: Kids between ages 6 and 24.
PRISM (Pride, Respect, Identity, Safety, Mentoring)
PRISM is a mentoring program designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Edmonton.
The PRISM program matches children and youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ with an adult mentor who also identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ for a 1:1 mentoring relationship. Through regular outings, the match will foster a supportive, empowering, and fun friendship!
The purpose of a PRISM match is to:
- Provide role models for 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth
- Foster pride and self-confidence
- Create connections within Edmonton’s 2SLGBTQ+ community
- Offer 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth a safe adult mentor to have conversations with, provide support and celebrate who they are
- and above all, have fun!
Enrollment Process
Application Form
At this time we are only accepting new referrals from our partners within Family Resource Networks or youth and families with involvement with Children and Family Services. These partners can submit referrals to Rachel Leaf at rachel.leaf@bgcbigs.ca or by calling 780.490.6843.
In-Person Interview and Training
We’ll contact you to set up an in-person interview where we’ll get to know the child so we can match them to the best volunteer. The interview typically takes 2 hours. We will also complete the Training with you and your child in the same appointment. We go over important concepts like boundaries and healthy relationships to make sure they’re starting their match off right.
Matching
This is when we find your child a volunteer who is going to be a good fit. When we meet for your interview, we will discuss timelines and factors in finding a match for your child.
Locations Served
Location: Edmonton, Strathcona County, Parkland County, Lac La Biche, Morinville, and St. Albert
Cost: FREE!