WHAT WE DO
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio is all about mentoring! We match caring volunteers with kids facing adversity to provide professionally-supported, structured mentoring relationships that have a measurable positive impact on our youth, our mentors and our community. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that fit every schedule: community-based mentoring and school-based mentoring, including PROJECT MENTOR.
Our Ohio Footprint
Our network of affiliated offices serves kids in 14 Ohio counties! Last year, including our affiliated agencies, we served more than 7,000 Ohio kids in one-to-one mentoring relationships and at our Camp Oty’Okwa. In addition, MENTOR Central Ohio is increasing the quality and quantity of mentoring in Ohio. Our main office is in Columbus, and our family of affiliates includes:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters – Delaware County Program
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Ohio
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Springfield
- Big Brothers Big Sisters – Union County Program
- Camp Oty’Okwa
- MENTOR Central Ohio
What Does It Take To Be A Mentor?
It doesn't take any special skills or education to mentor in our community-based or school-based (including PROJECT MENTOR) programs, just a desire to help a child succeed. It is about developing a friendship and empowering a child. It will be one of the most fulfilling things you do, and you will be a force for change in our community.
Watch Kenny and Daryle's Story
How Do Bigs And Littles Get Matched?
Common Interests
We spend time getting to know volunteers and kids to make a good match and lasting friendship. Do you both like sports, music or reading? We look for things you have in common so you will have a good basis to develop a friendship.
Our Programs
How Do I Become A Mentor?
Community
There are many ways to get involved with us! Here are a few: Follow us on social media, advocate for us through your networks, make a donation or provide in-kind support, help beautify Camp Oty'Okwa to prepare for campers, or sponsor a school supply drive or third party event.
Still Have Some Questions?
Please get in touch if you want more information. We want to talk to you!
From Our Community
From the social networks
BBBScentralOH on Facebook
Match Spotlight: Alec & Thomas
This Aug. Alec & Thomas are celebrating 7 years as a match! They recently went to the Kids on Track event and had a BLAST. They are joining Big Futures this school year, and have exciting things ahead!
Congratulations on 7 years as a match Alec & Thomas!
Start your engines, defenders! Join us at our next orientation webinar to learn how to become a #Big: ow.ly/WHBM50vDfRU
#RealMenMentor #BBBSCentralOH #MatchSpotlight #IgnitingPotential #DefendingPotential #EmpoweringPotential
Congratulations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware Co for your partnership with Greif, Inc.!
Greif, Inc. has become a 2019 Delaware Co Bowl for Kids' Sake Corporate Sponsor! Thank you Greif, Inc. for being #DefendersofPotential for Delaware County youth.
Bowl for Kids' Sake is the most fun you’ll have in rented shoes! Raise funds to change a child’s life for the better, forever. Join the fun, in Delaware County, on November 3rd, from 12-4pm at Delaware Lanes.
For more information visit:
online.bbbscentralohio.org/DelawareBFKS2019
#DelCoBFKS19 #bbbsdelco #Bowl4Kids #Mentor #ThankYouThursday
Tee up and get ready for Big Brothers Big Sisters fall event - Golf For Girls' Sake, Sept. 10th. Join us for our fifth annual golf outing, which will directly benefit our girls' leadership programs. This golf outing isn't your ordinary fundraiser! Join business professionals from across the area to eat lunch, learn about women's leadership, and most importantly, compete in three hours of exhilarating free play at Topgolf. There's no pressure to have a good golf swing or score a lot of points. It's all about supporting one another and raising funds for a greater cause.
Register today at:
bit.ly/GolfForGirlsSake
#Golf4Girls #TopGolfColumbus #BBBSCentralOH
Golf for Girls' Sake 2019 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio
secure.givelively.org
Tee up and get ready for Big Brothers Big Sisters fall event, Golf For GirlsJoin us Sept. 7th at Camp Oty'Okwa for:
How’s the water? Let’s ask the fish and bugs!
Did you know the fish and aquatic insects that live within Ohio’s rivers and streams can tell a story about water quality? Fish and aquatic insects are great indicators of stream health. Some species are sensitive to habitat loss and pollution while others can tolerate and thrive in poor water quality. Join water quality expert Kelly Capuzzi to learn about the species of fish and macroinvertebrates that live in the Hocking Hills region.
Registration Cost: $35, lunch included
A Naturalist Guide to the Fishes of Ohio book: $30
Registration Contact: Jsomerville@bbbscentralohio.org or 740-385-5279
For more details visit: www.facebook.com/events/2265229606892705/
11 years and still going strong- Kanisha credits her Big Sister Jacci with helping her tremendously through her college years.
"We are still very close, she lives 10 minutes away from me and we probably see each other at least once a week."
Let your match story be an inspiration to someone today!
bit.ly/BBBSCOmatchstories
JOIN OUR VOLUNTEER TEAM
Are you ready to impact a child’s life for the better? We are looking for people who want to positively impact a child and engage in their community at the same time. We want you to get to know one of our kids, be a friend and make a difference, as you learn together.
To be a matched with a child, a volunteer must:
-
School-based mentoring program (including Project Mentor)
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be able to meet with the child at a nearby school site at a designated day/time each week
- Be willing to complete a volunteer application, background screening and references
- Be willing and able to participate in the program with the youth for at least two school years
-
Community-based mentoring program
- Be at least 21 years old
- Meet with the child at least two times each month
- Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and current car insurance
- Be willing to complete a volunteer application, background screening, driving record screening and references
- Be willing and able to make at least an 18-month commitment to the youth in the program
If you do not meet all these requirements, there are other ways to get involved with us! Follow us on social media, make a donation to help support our work in the community, sign up for our newsletter or advocate on our behalf through your networks and encourage others to get involved.
Inquire Now