Community Mentoring
PROGRAM UPDATES ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Our programs for children and youth are still available!
However, like so many things, our programs are evolving to keep up with the changing needs of young people. We are working on how to better define and update programs, so you know what to expect and so that our programs meet your needs.
Stay tuned for updates to help improve your experience.
In the meantime, you can explore our programming information below.
IMPORTANT
At this time, general intake to our Community-based programs is closed.
This includes our Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Sibling and PRISM programs.
However, we’re still accepting new referrals to these programs through our Family Resource Network* (FRN) partners and Child & Family Services.
To make a referral, please contact Tia Galarneau, Volunteer and Client Engagement Facilitator, at Tia.Galarneau@bgcbigs.ca or call 780-264-7143.
*BGCBigs is associated with the following FRN’s in the city: Castledowns YMCA (FRN North Central), Jasper Place Family Resource Centre (West FRN), Family Futures Resource Network (South East FRN), and Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op Ltd (Intercultural FRN), as well as in surrounding areas: Family and Community Services in Sherwood Park, and Alberta Parenting for the Futures in Stony Plain.
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-to-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!
To participate in PRISM:
- Mentees self-identify as 2SLGBTQ+, are between 6-24 years old, and want a mentor who identifies as 2SLGBTQ+
- Mentors self-identify as 2SLGBTQ+, are a minimum of 18 years old, and want to be matched with a mentee who identifies as 2SLGBTQ+
- Time commitment of 1 year
Questions?
Tia Galarneau
Volunteer and Client Engagement Facilitator
P: 780.822.2503
E: tia.galarneau@bgcbigs.ca