Start the School Year off Right!

We're halfway through September but there is still time to sign up for some of our awesome programs here at Big Brothers Big Sisters! The beginning of the school year is a great time to be matched up with a little brother or sister- help them start the school year of right and mentor them through out the year.

Here are some quick FAQs about BBBS, if you want to read the whole list visit our website

What kind of programs are available?

• We make matches in three different programs: Community-Based, School Buddies and Mother to Mother

What are the volunteer requirements?

• Community-Based Bigs:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Have no more than 3 moving violations in the last 3 years (if planning on transporting your Little).
  • Can provide proof of car insurance (if planning on transporting your Little).
  • Have not been convicted of a felony within the past 5 years.
  • Have not been convicted of a gross misdemeanor in the past 3 years or any misdemeanors in the past year.
  • No crimes against children. Ever.
  • No sexual crimes. Ever.
  • No violent crimes against another person. Ever.
  • No current illegal drug or illegal alcohol use.
  • Attend an orientation
• School Buddies Bigs
• Must be at least a Sophomore in High School or older.
• Must have Parent Permission if under the age of 18.
• Meet the same requirements as Community-Based Bigs (with the exception of the driving record).
• Attend an orientation
• Be fingerprinted
• Mother to Mother
• This is a new program, so we're still working out the details! e-mail admin@bbbs-nw.org if you are interested.

Announcing: Mother 2 Mother Program

Mother-2-Mother
Reaching out to Teenage Mothers

Mother-2-Mother (M2M) is a new program at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington (BBBS-NW) designed to empower pregnant or parenting teenage mothers to be the best moms and students they can be. Through one-to-one mentoring, we will match these teens with experienced mothers who will guide the teen moms as they navigate high school and motherhood. We hope to see these girls succeed in school, develop nurturing bonds with their babies, learn vital parenting skills, and believe in their own potential.

Why do we need M2M?

• Each year, over 200 babies are born to teenage mothers in Whatcom County alone.
• On average, only 40% of teen mothers continue their education after becoming pregnant.
• Teen mothers have a 20% re-pregnancy rate, meaning that one in five will become pregnant again before finishing school.

How will it help?

• Data collected from our BBBS sister agency in New York showed that, when mentored, teen mothers’ likelihood of continuing their education rose to 90%.
• Additionally, the New York data showed that the mentored teen moms’ re-pregnancy rate was just 2%.

How is M2M different than traditional community-based mentoring?

• All of the mentors will be mothers themselves, and hold at least high school degrees. This will allow them to share parenting and academic advice, as well as emotional support.

What is expected of our mother mentors?

• Our screening process includes checking the potential mentor’s driving history, doing a background check and calling three references.  We also conduct an extensive interview.
• Our required 8 hour training gives mentors the tools they need to support their teen mom.
• Monthly match support calls from BBBS-NW staff ensure the match is thriving.
• Attendance at the quarterly mentor forums will give mentors on-going support and training.

For more information please phone our office at 360.671.6400.
Visit our website for further details on all our Mentoring Programs.