Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Bigs?

Our Big Volunteers are role models who have successfully completed our application and training process. They are at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and proof of liability insurance coverage. Bigs are willing to make a commitment to spending time with a child 2-4 times per month for at least a year. Bigs are also invited to participate in ongoing monthly activities and occassional seminars.

Who are the Littles?

Littles are children between the ages of 5 and 17 primarily from single parent homes in Ocean County.They are referred to the program by a parent, school, juvenile justice system or some other social service agency.

Did You Know?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County provides the following Services for "at risk" children in the community:

Community-Based Mentoring

Is provided to children 5-17 years old that primarily come from single parent homes. The children are matched with a caring adult that provides support, friendship and guides them down the road to a happy and successful future.

School-Based Mentoring Programs

We currently provide "Lunch Buddies" or "After School" mentoring programs in the following school districts: Lakewood, Seaside Heights, Pine Beach, Beachwood and Toms River. Mentors visit the children in school and provide them with help and support.

"Waiting Littles" Program

Monthly activities are provided for the community-based children that are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister. Activities are planned that provide children with new experiences and opportunities as well as meeting new friends.

Corporate Mentoring Program

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County has partnered with employees of New Jersey Natural Gas to provide onsite mentoring services with Lakewood Middle School students. This program provides students with "hands on" learning experiences in a corporate environment.

High School "Bigs" Mentoring Program

Our first High School "Bigs" program started using the Juniors and Seniors at Monsignor Donovan High School. This program promotes leadership and volunteerism with the high school students while matching the students with children in our School-Based programs. We have expanded this program into the High Schools in Lakewood and Toms River Regional School Districts.

Lunch Buddies or After School Mentoring

We currently provide "Lunch Buddies" or "After School" mentoring programs at the Lakewood, Seaside Heights, Pine Beach, Beachwood, and Toms River. Mentors visit the children in school and provide them with help and support.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

There are several ways you can support our program:

-- Become a community-based or school-based mentor, all you need is 1-2 hours two to four times a month. That's all it takes to make a difference in the life of a child that will last a lifetime. By doing this, you will be forever changed by the experience. Don't wait any longer, call us now, you'll be glad you did!

-- Join us at one of our monthly activities and see for yourself how important this is to a child. You can help a child learn to ice skate, bowl, or have a good time just talking with a child. Help to sponsor an event or activity.

-- Thinking of getting rid of your car, boat or airplane? BBBSOC participates in the National Cars For Kids Program. Call us and we can give you the telephone number of the program. They will come and pick up your vehicle, provide you with a fair value donation letter and give us the fair value donation in your name. The money we receive goes directly to support our mentoring programs.

-- Tell your family, friends, organizations that you belong to and colleagues about our program, the importance of mentoring, and our fundraising initiatives.

-- If you have a group or organization that you would like us to give a presentation to, let us know. We welcome the opportunity to talk about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County.

-- Support our fundraising events.