PROGRAMS

Community-based mentoring relationships involve one-on-one outings and activities, doing things the Big and Little enjoy together, like taking a walk in the park, going to a museum, playing ball, exploring a new activity, or just hanging out and talking. Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends. Others get together with their Littles on weekday evenings. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them, though all matches meet twice a month each month for at least one year.
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Studies show that children who have role models are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school, drop out, commit crimes, or use illegal drugs or alcohol.

BBBSCR partners with local businesses, colleges, and school districts to offer one-on-one site-based mentoring relationships in a group or individual setting. These programs take place at K-12 schools, colleges, and business campuses twice a month for nine months of the year.
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Although the site-based program is a more collective experience, not all mentoring happens in a group setting. Of course, some Littles do talk with their Bigs in the group activity scheduled for the day, but it’s perfectly fine to shoot hoops in the gym, tutor on homework, play on the playground, or simply sit and chat. At the end of the day, it’s really all about starting a friendship, providing guidance and inspiring Littles to reach their potential.

Through our U-CAN Mentoring Program, we partner with Schenectady County Family Court and Albany County Family Court to provide young people on probation with the opportunity to meet weekly with a trained volunteer mentor for one hour over the course of a year.

U-CAN is a court-based mentoring program designed to support youth as they navigate probation, build self-esteem, and develop the skills and confidence needed to move toward a more positive future.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region partners with the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to provide supportive, empowering mentoring relationships for children receiving OPWDD services.

This program helps youth build connection, confidence, and social engagement through consistent, one-to-one mentoring relationships tailored to their needs.