BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF FINNEY & KEARNY COUNTIES

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1 Dear Applicant, Thank you for your interest in the School-Based Mentoring program. Enclosed in the packet are forms to be filled out and returned. In addition, the information stapled to the letter explains the program requirements and the application process. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU FILL OUT THE FRONTS AND BACKS OF ALL FORMS! You may return your packet to: Your instructor BBBS will return to collect packets To our office 1312 N 7th Your application will be read, references called and your law enforcement records will be checked before your file is screened by a committee of professionals. When this has been completed you will received a call and a letter about your assignment. If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of turning your packet in, please call our office at ! We will try to get you into the school as soon as possible. Thank you!! Staff at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Finney & Kearny Counties School-Based Mentoring Program

2 Benefits of Mentoring Big Brothers Big Sisters School Based Mentoring has been proven to have a significant positive impact on the children in the program. According to the result of a major study, teachers reported: 64% of students developed more positive attitudes toward school 58% achieved higher grades in social studies, languages and math 60% improved relationships with adults 56% improved relationships with peers 55% were better able to express their feelings 64% developed high levels of self confidence 62% were more likely to trust their teachers Students were also less likely than their peers to repeat a grade and their average number of unexcused absences decreased. The School Based Mentoring Program and Purpose We know that students benefit from the individual attention provided by carefully screened Big Brothers/ Sisters. Each volunteer Big Brother/Sister meets with his/her Little for 1/2 hour per week during the school year to provide support, encouragement, and a positive role model. Volunteer Bigs will spend their weekly hour with the two students they are matched with for the year. The Big spends one half hour, one-to-one with each of those two children. Bigs should not be viewed primarily at tutors, although some might do this activity. Volunteers could have lunch with their Little, work with them on reading, play an educational board game, shoot baskets, or just sit and talk. The main purpose is to meet the needs of children within a school setting. Teachers involved in programs around the country have reported improvement in the children s selfesteem, behavior, attendance and academic success. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Finney & Kearny Counties screens and trains the Mentors. The agency also monitors the relationship and (with input from school personnel, child and volunteer) evaluates the success of the program. Bigs are recruited from the community as well as various classes at GCCC and Garden City, Holcomb, Lakin and Deerfield High Schools. Littles are selected by the teachers, parents and guidance counselors. A key component of this program is location. It is school-based so there is NO CONTACT (phone or otherwise) between the mentor and child outside of the school setting. Bigs sign an agreement to the Effect prior to the initial meeting. All meetings take place during school hours.

3 Becoming a School Mentor 1. Apply Be sure you fill out the entire application (including references, mentor interview, and sheriff release. 2. Screening Turn in all documents to your professor, the academic office or a BBBS staff. BBBS will call your references and conduct your background check. 3. Notification We will notify you of your acceptance as a mentor and schedule your first visit to the school. 4. Orientation A BBBS staff member will meet you at your assigned school and introduce you to the counselor, teacher and the two children you will be working with. He/She will also show you how & where to sign in, provide a short mandatory drug/alcohol/gang awareness training and answer any questions you might have. 5. Start Mentoring Go once a week at your scheduled time and have fun with your Littles! Call BBBS and the school if you can t make it. 6. Supervision Once a month a BBBS staff member will come during one of your visits to see how things are going. 7. Evaluation At the end of the semester, we will ask you to evaluate the program in general and how personal mentoring has gone. These must be filled out to complete the program and gain class credit.

4 1. AGE 16 years or older. SCHOOL BASED MENTOR ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS 2. PHYSICAL HEALTH Good health is required. Agency may require medical statement. If there is a disability, volunteer must be able to use public or other self-provided transportation. 3. MENTAL HEALTH & GENERAL STABILITY Volunteer must show evidence of emotional, employment and lifestyle stability. The volunteer must have healthy motivation for program involvement and not just be trying to satisfy his/her own needs. The volunteer must have appropriate relationships with peers. The volunteer must demonstrate appropriate social behavior and must have a healthy attitude toward his/her own sexuality. Two personal references are required. 4. PROGRAM COMMITMENT The volunteer must be capable of making not only a semester commitment, but also a commitment to following agency rules and regulations. The volunteer must be willing to spend 1 hour a week for at least one semester with his/her Little. The volunteer must submit to staff supervision. 5. POLICE RECORD A record check must have been completed. No felony convictions, no injury-related offenses, and no arrest or convictions for child abuse will be accepted on a volunteer s record. Arrest records will be individually considered by agency staff. 6. SUBSTANCE ABUSE Volunteers must have no convictions for trafficking or sale of drugs. Volunteer must be free of alcohol/drug abuse. If the applicant has been hospitalized or treated for alcohol and drug abuse, he/she must have been drug/alcohol free for at least two years. A release from a substance abuse program will be required to prove sobriety. 7. SEXUAL OFFENSES This agency cannot be associated with individuals of any age that are involved in allegations of sexual offense. Rumors of misconduct are sufficient to deny an application. 8. SCHOOL CONTACTS The volunteer must understand that he/she has not been required to complete a comprehensive screening process. Therefore, CONTACTS OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL ARE PROHIBITED! 9. TRANSPORTATION The volunteer must have or be able to find his/her own transportation to and from mentoring sessions.

5 Volunteer Application Date Date of Birth(mmddyyyy) Age Last Name First Middle Address City State Zip How long in Garden City Address Telephone (Home) Telephone (Cell) Religion Race Sex M/F Marital Status S/M/D School Instructor (s) Driver s License # State Exp Date(mmddyyyy) Do you own or have regular use of a car? Do you have a job? If yes, will this interfere with you volunteering? Employer Hours worked Phone # Do you have any health problems that would limit your involvement with your Little Brother or Sister? Are you on any prescribed medications? Describe your past experiences with children What are some positive aspects about your experience? Negative? Has anyone ever questioned your relationship with a child? Have you ever been investigated for child abuse? Have you ever been arrested? If yes, please explain What are some of your strengths academically? Match Preference Can you see a child once a week during the school year? What day & time could you see your Little Brother or Sister?

6 REFERENCES Please list THREE references who have known you for more than one year. Print complete names, addresses and telephone numbers of people who would evaluate your qualifications as a volunteer. DO NOT INCLUDE FAMILY MEMBERS!!! 1. Name Phone Number Address Work Number Cell Number 2. Name Phone Number Address Work Number Cell Number 3. Name Phone Number Address Work Number Mentor Agreement As a volunteer for the School-Based Mentoring Program, I agree to the following: To undergo the screening process, including a background check. To be on time for scheduled meetings. To notify the agency or school office if I am unable to keep my weekly meeting. To engage in the relationship with an open mind. To accept assistance from my mentee s teacher. To keep discussions with my mentee confidential. To ask for assistance when I need help with my Little Brother or Sister. To notify the agency of changes in my employment, address and phone number. Cell Number Signature Date

7 Mentor Questionnaire Form This form needs to be filled out by the mentor at the same time as you complete the application. Please answer the following as honestly as possible. Mentor Name Date School Attending How did you hear about the program? Why do you want to be a mentor? Why would you make a good mentor? What do you expect to gain from the experience? Any fears or concerns about the relationship? Have you had any recent major life changes? Where were you born and raised? How would you describe your relationship with your parents? Father Mother How do you get along with your siblings?

8 Self description as a child Did you identify most with one particular family member? Who? What was your best experience? What was your worst experience? Were you ever touched inappropriately? What do you feel are your strengths? Your limitations? Interests, hobbies, activities, recreation: Personal goals for the next 5-10 years: What do you do to socialize? What qualities do you feel constitute a good friendship? What makes you angry? How do you express anger? Extra Curricular Activities: Have you experimented with drugs or alcohol? How do you see your role as a mentor? Do you have a personal webpage (facebook, myspace, etc.)? Yes No If yes, may we access it? Yes No Web Address