Services for Children

Big Brothers of Sarnia-Lambton offers a number of programs for the children of the community.  Since it’s inception in 1967, the agency has matched children and adults together in a one man-one boy relationship in the traditional Big Brother Program.  The agency has since grown further with the addition of a Couple Matching program and In-School Mentoring  program.

Big Brother Program and Couples Matching Program

In the traditional Big Brother Program  or the Couples Program boys can apply to become Little Brothers and enjoy this special friendship if they meet the agency’s eligibility requirements. Little Brothers for the purpose of matching are between the ages of 5 and 14 and do not have a regular male influence in their lives.  To be eligible, boys reside in a single parent, mother headed family must not have contact which exceeds an average of once a month with a regular male influence.  Boys must be capable of forming a relationship and   be available to participate in activities with a Big Brother. The parent calls the office at 336-0460 and it’s determined if the child’s situation falls within the agency guidelines for eligibility.  If so the child is placed on a waiting list.  Once mothers participate in an orientation session and a home visit is completed by an agency caseworker to get to know the parent and child then the Little Brother would be eligible to be matched to a Big Brother volunteer. Children and volunteers are matched on the basis of background, personalities, interests, the strengths of the volunteer and the needs of the child

In-School Mentoring Program

In the In-school Mentoring Program boys and girls are matched up with a man or women for one hour a week in the child’s school for a fun-based relationship.

Mentees are children in the elementary school system who would benefit from the extra attention and friendship that an adult mentor could provide.

Children are referred to this Program through their school and the Big Brother agency screens the volunteers.