PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS INCLUDE:
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER?
To obtain the current schedule and register to attend an information session, call 519-945-6232 x10 or click on the "Inquiry Form" to the right side of this page.
Information sessions take place at our office located at:
3050 Jefferson Blvd., Windsor, On.
BECOMING A BIG BROTHER OR BIG SISTER
A Big Sister is a mature, responsible woman, nineteen years of age or older (there is no upper age limit) who is able to provide a commitment to the agency for a minimum of one year (exclusive of the Summer Match Program) to be matched with a Little Sister who can be from any family situation.
A Big Brother is a mature adult male, nineteen years of age or older, who makes a similar commitment to be matched with a father-absent boy.
Prior to being accepted as a Big Sister or Big Brother volunteer, the person must cooperate with the agency’s application policies. A variety of information and training opportunities are provided depending on the type of involvement a volunteer is seeking. Information meetings are structured to provide an overview of the volunteer opportunities available with the agency. Volunteers will be required to attend a training session, provide a police check, submit names and addresses of three people who will complete reference checks and arrange for an interview.
ABOUT THE INFORMATION SESSION
The information session is designed to familiarize the potential volunteer with our agency and staff and to provide an opportunity to develop knowledge of the programs. During this meeting, the potential volunteer has an opportunity to become acquainted with a member of our staff, to share thoughts and views and to ask questions. We believe that our meetings promote an individual’s awareness of the needs of our children and the important role a volunteer has within the agency. As there are many programs in which one can volunteer, it is our hope that upon completing this meeting, the potential volunteer is able to make the appropriate decision regarding involvement with the agency.
TRAINING SESSION
During the training session we examine the expectations of the volunteer, the Little, the parents and the casework staff. Also, we present a variety of situations which may occur during the Big’s involvement with the child and family and provide an opportunity to examine suitable solutions. As part of this session, a Child Safety Program is presented to all volunteers to emphasize the importance of child safety and child sexual abuse prevention.
An interesting highlight of the training session is the presence of a Big who is able to share the thoughts and experiences he/she has had in his/her match and answer questions those present may have.
PERSONAL INTERVIEW
Once a potential Big has attended a Child Safety Training session and the agency has received all the reference forms, then arrangements will be made for a personal interview with an assigned caseworker. This meeting will include questions for the potential volunteer about their family and job history, health (physical and emotional), their motivation to be a volunteer as well as their personal interests. Please note: Acceptance is not automatic and the agency is under no obligation to match a volunteer with a child. Participation in any volunteer activities which involve a Little may only occur after an individual is deemed suitable based on all of our criteria.