Note: At this time, our intake division is closed in order to best serve the needs of the families on our wait list.
To subscribe for Client Intake/Program Capacity updates, please complete the form below.
One-To-One Mentoring
“BIGS” Community Matching
The Community Matching Program provides adult mentors (Bigs) to young people (Littles). The program connects its participants with a role model and friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through weekly outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.
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Through weekly outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests and is supported by our experienced case workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.
- Mentors will meet 1:1 with a young person in the community once a week (or bi-weekly in some circumstances) for a couple of hours, for a minimum 1-year requirement
- We pair Mentors with a Mentee with consideration of interests, personality and geographic location
- Currently operates on a mix of in-person (outdoors, public places, at your home etc.) and virtual visits. In-person visits will depend on current public health guidelines and the mentor and the mentee’s family comfort level.
Additional Requirements:
- We ask that mentors have a tie to the community (work or home) that will remain consistent for at least 18 months
- Access to reliable transportation is a requirement for this program
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: At this time, our intake division is closed in order to best serve the needs of the families on our waitlist.
For Client Intake/Program Capacity updates, please complete the form below.
Big Couple
Big Couples or Big Families provide mentorship to a young person on a minimum 2:1 ratio. Couples (in a relationship for a minimum of 2 years) are matched with a young person based on similar likes, interests and goals.
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This program gives young people the opportunity to build a strong and unique relationship with their mentors, which can resonate for years to come. Through regular outings, mentors’ model positive behaviors/lifestyles that can make a life-changing impact for their mentee. Matches meet for weekly activities based on their combined schedules.
- Mentors will meet 1:1 with a young person in the community once a week (or bi-weekly in some circumstances) for a couple of hours, for a minimum 1-year requirement
- We pair Mentors with a Mentee with consideration of interests, personality and geographic location
- Currently operates on a mix of in-person (outdoors, public places, at your home etc.) and virtual visits. In-person visits will depend on current public health guidelines and the mentor and the mentee’s family comfort level.
Additional Requirements:
- We ask that couples have been together a minimum of two years
- We ask that mentors have a tie to the community (work or home) that will remain consistent for at least 18 months
- Access to reliable transportation is a requirement for this program
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: At this time, our intake division is closed in order to best serve the needs of the families on our waitlist.
For Client Intake/Program Capacity updates, please complete the form below.
In-School Mentoring
The In-School Mentoring Program provides elementary-aged youth people with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up within school grounds. Each week, mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hang out on school grounds.
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In-School Mentoring takes place once a week for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.
Commitment Length:
- Mentors will meet 1:1 with a child during school hours for one hour a week (same day and time each week) for the duration of the school year (September-June)
- We will establish new matches in this program until March/April at the latest (or depending on school preference)
- Mentors may request to be matched to more than one Mentee if their availability permits
- Referrals for Mentees typically come from the school
- Currently, this program is running virtually
- Matches are made based on the child’s needs, shared interests, and proximity to school (when this program returns to in-person)
Requirements:
- We ask that mentors have a tie to the community (work or home) that will remain consistent for at least 18 months
- Access to reliable transportation is a requirement for this program
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: This program involves a referral from our school partners. If you have questions about this program and client enrollment, please contact Calista Procopio.
Group Mentoring
Adventure Canada Connections
Adventure Canada Connections (ACC) is a group mentoring program for newcomer youth that are elementary-aged. The program offers a role model, mentor and a friend to newcomer youth, helping with their adjustment to Canada.
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ACC is led by volunteers who have an interest in helping mentees build confidence so they can reach their full potential. With a goal of social integration, ACC participants meet in a group setting to build connections. Mentoring sessions include educational activities, games and potential for homework help or open discussion. Mentees will practice English language skills, make new friends, learn more about Canada’s cultures and traditions, and most importantly — have fun. ACC takes place weekly over 7-10 sessions.
Commitment Length:
- One hour a week during school hours (same day and time each week), OR evenings for 8 – 12 weeks depending on school/community need
- For middle-school age Mentees who are new to Canada
- Mentors facilitate the weekly sessions that focus on building new connections, learning about Canadian culture, and homework support
- Depending on the group size, the mentor will be paired with another mentor to co-facilitate the group
- Includes an additional mentor training session
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: This program involves a referral from our school partners. If you have questions about this program and client enrollment, please contact Bianca Burns.
Cultural Mentorship Program
The Cultural Mentorship Program aims to create and develop mentoring relationships with a focus of embracing Caribbean and African cultures. This Program is offered to young people ages 12-18, who identify as being part of the Black community.
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Participants will have the opportunity to engage in activities that reflect on cultural history, carnival arts, cultural icons, micro ventures, business methods and diaspora experiences. The program encourages Black youth to make healthy and safe choices, increase resiliency and build a strong cultural identity all within the scope of cultural mentorship initiatives. Currently limited to the Halton area.
Commitment Length:
- One hour a week outside school hours (same day and time each week) for 8 – 12 weeks depending on community need
- For mentees who identify as having an African or Caribbean background
- Mentors who are from the same background(s), or who have experience and knowledge in these areas will help to facilitate the group alongside the support of a Case Manager and representative from the community
- The program helps to connect Mentees who identify as black with their rich cultural history while also learning about topics including safety with police and black success stories
- Includes an additional mentor training session
Program Start Dates:
We typically run a fall, winter, and spring session.
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: This program involves a referral from our school partners. If you have questions about this program and client enrollment, please contact Bianca Burns.
BIGS on Campus
The Sheridan College BIGS on Campus Program offers the benefits of mentoring to youth ages 9-13 within a group setting.
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Approximately 4-5 caring student mentors, selected from the Sheridan student body and screened and supervised by BBBSHH, meet with 8-10 young people weekly to share fun and educational activities and build their mentoring relationships. The program focus is on building the skills of the young people, exposing them to post-secondary opportunities, and fostering quality relationships with the mentors. Currently limited to the Halton area.
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: This program involves a referral from our school partners. If you have questions about this program and client enrollment, please contact Kyle Anderson.
BIG Possibilities
Big Possibilities offers mentorship and support for youth enrolled in high-school, helping them explore and prepare for life after high-school. Each program session connects youth with a guest speaker from a different field.
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Various workshops are also offered through this program including career exploration, resume and interview skills, social media awareness. This program takes place during the regular school year. We are always looking for guest speakers in the following fields: Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Entrepreneurship, Medical Field – Doctors (both human and animal), University/College Educators, Lawyers, Engineers, Business Backgrounds, CEOs/Directors (people in management in their career field), Life Coaches.
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON / BE A GUEST SPEAKER
Note: If you are interested in program enrollment or becoming a guest speaker, please contact Kyle Anderson.
Game On!
Game On! is a group mentoring program for elementary-aged young people who identify as male. The program aims to provide its participants with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices.
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Through non-traditional physical activities, complemented with healthy eating support, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles. Game On! takes place weekly over 7-10 sessions.
Commitment Length:
- One hour a week during school hours (same day and time each week), OR evenings for 8 – 12 weeks depending on school/community need
- For middle-school-aged mentees who identify as male
- Mentors that identify as male facilitate the weekly sessions that focus on the importance of physical and emotional well-being
- Depending on the group size, the mentor will be paired with another mentor to co-facilitate the group
- Includes an additional mentor training session
Program Start Dates:
We typically run a fall, winter, and spring session.
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: This program involves a referral from our school partners. If you have questions about this program and client enrollment, please contact Kyle Anderson.
GLOW (Girls Linking Our Worlds)
Girls Linking Our Worlds (GLOW) is a group mentoring program for young people ages 11-14 who identify as female. The program focuses on empowerment, leadership development and helping its participants feel confident in all aspects of their identity.
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Through mentoring relationships, and discussions, along with creative and physical activities, volunteers help participants explore different cultures and celebrate diversity, learn different techniques for physical, mental and emotional well being, as well as develop empathic communication skills. GLOW takes place weekly over 10 sessions.
Commitment Length:
- One hour a week during school hours (same day and time each week), OR evenings for 8 – 12 weeks depending on school/community need
- For 12-14-year-old Mentees who identify as female
- Mentors that identify as female facilitate the weekly sessions that focus on the importance of physical and emotional well-being, self-care, and diversity
- Depending on the group size, the mentor will be paired with another mentor to co-facilitate the group
- Includes an additional mentor training session
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: This program involves a referral from our school partners. If you have questions about this program and client enrollment, please contact Lauren Kenwood.
HEART (Formerly Go Girls)
Healthy Education and Relationship Teaching (HEART) is a group mentoring program for young people ages 8-10 who identify as female. The program focuses on physical activity, balanced eating, and self-esteem.
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The single, most important goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of young people by helping them build a positive self-image and setting them on a path to reach their full potential in life. HEART is structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills. The program takes place weekly over 7-10 sessions.
Commitment Length:
- One hour a week during school hours (same day and time each week), OR evenings for 8 – 12 weeks depending on school/community need
- For middle-school-aged mentees who identify as female
- Mentors that identify as female facilitate the weekly sessions that focus on the importance of a healthy lifestyle including healthy relationships, healthy eating, physical activity, and self-confidence
- Depending on the group size, the mentor will be paired with another mentor to co-facilitate the group
- Includes an additional mentor training session
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: This program involves a referral from our school partners. If you have questions about this program and client enrollment, please contact Kayla Lockey.
Homework Club
Homework Club is an after school mentoring program for elementary-aged young people. In this program, high-school students are a mentor for participants who require academic, social and/or emotional support.
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With the goal of increasing student success, young people are matched one-on-one with a teen mentor in a group setting and are supervised by an adult volunteer. Programs run weekly after school from October – May. Currently operating in Halton, and soon to be coming to Hamilton
Commitment Length:
- One hour a week after school (same day and time each week) starting at the beginning of the school year until the end of June
- Youth Mentors (high school age) meet with 15-20 mentees weekly to assist with homework and provide learning opportunities
- Youth Mentors are supported by adult Mentors and a Case Manager
- Includes an additional mentor training session
ENROLL A YOUNG PERSON
Note: This program involves a referral from our school partners. If you have questions about this program and client enrollment, please contact April Tanner.
PRACTICUM PROGRAM
Our professional team wants to mentor the next generation of Community Change Makers! We have numerous learning opportunities for University and College Students looking to explore the Community Service sector. Depending on Placement requirements, we may be able to provide you with the opportunity to empower one or many children and youth.
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Our intake for Placement Students occurs one season ahead, ie. In the summer for fall placement, in the fall for winter placement. All Placement Students must successfully complete the same enrollment and assessment process as volunteer applicants but will be provided with additional academic and professional learning supports from our experienced staff team.