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Volunteers (Bigs) are matched with children, teen, and young adult mentees (“Littles”) in communities across McHenry County based on their interests, skill sets, experience and any other pertinent information. The matches are then provided with support and guidance from professional match support staff.

The matches spend anywhere from 4 to 8 hours per month together, and a 12 month commitment is required.

Provides the opportunity for the mentor (Big) to visit their Little in the child's school, after school program, or at another youth-serving agency. This allows for the mentor to meet in a more structured environment than out in the community, usually for about an hour per week.

Provides a re-entry program that assists individuals returning to the community from the correctional system. Assists individuals with the following:

• Learning basic skills.
• Leadership development.
• Interview preparation and job readiness.
• Group mentoring and peer-to-peer sessions.

  Offers the following services:

• Case management.
• Job placement.
• Educational assessments.
• Advocacy.
• Counseling.
• Recreational activities.

Long term residential placement for youth 10-18 years of age. Outpatient substance abuse treatment and therapy services available for youth placed in the long-term residential program.

Behavioral health services for youth 5-18 years of age depending on the program or service.

Volunteer mentoring program for 3rd through 12th grade in math or reading skills.

Family preservation services in Iowa and Nebraska.

Educational programs for professionals working with youth.

Mentors model appropriate behavior, provide guidance and skill building, and offer an opportunity to motivate their mentee through interest exploration and social interaction.

Community-based mentoring matches a child with an adult volunteer in a community-based relationship.

School-based mentoring is incorporated into the school structure and meets during lunch/recess at the child's school. School-based matches are able to participate in BBBS sponsored and other community activities, but are not required to do so.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley provides age appropriate activity enhancements through our community partners that help grow the relationship and strengthen the development of the child. Enhancements involving elementary children and their mentors explore literacy, community service, health and wellness, financial literacy, and STEAM. Enhancements involving middle and high school youth and their mentors explore careers, post-secondary education, financial literacy, leadership, social and mental health, and community service.

Character and leadership development. Programs include aquatics, arts, sports, fitness and recreation, health and life skills, educational and career development, job training, career preparation, tutoring services, and age appropriate community service.

Outdoor activities, including Carter Lake Summer Camp (Mon-Fri 8 am-4 pm).

Meals served. Limited bus service - call for details.

Provides a mentoring program that matches youth from the Clayton Ridge School District with an adult who has similar interests. The adult supports the youth by sharing time and experiences of interest to them.

Offers a before and after school program. Services provide children individual and group tutoring, as well as mentoring services to decrease school suspensions and to address the mental health and academic needs. Children are given a snack and provided with homework assistance, life skills, and recreational activities.

Offers to empower male youth to make positive life choices. Program provides participants with mentor/mentee matches, weekly group mentoring sessions, graduation ceremonies and special events. Locations vary within the Polk County area, including community and school-based sites.

- Prevention Education: Mentees participate in school based prevention education groups on a weekly basis. Topics covered include self-awareness, social bondage, etiquette, college and career education, and personal development.

- College/Career Preparation: Mentees receive individual mentorship to assist with developing and implementing college/career plans, college applications, completing the FASFA, scholarship forms, transportation to college/career interviews, and annual college tours.

- KFACT University: Continuing support to program participants through university.

- Labor of Love: Opportunities for mentees to give back to the community through volunteerism.

Provides practical education, mentorship, and a community focused on accountability and excellence for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Offers support through real relationships and a focus on learning and growth. Builds collaboration and long-term plans to create lasting economic success.

Matches youth ages 5-12 with caring, positive, committed, adult role models. The youth (Little) and mentor (Big) meet in the community 2-4 times per month for a minimum of 4 hours and spend time exploring activities they already enjoy and trying some new ones.