Enroll a child

Families as partners

Parents and guardians of Little Brothers and Sisters are involved every step of the way, starting with the initial meeting. Not only will you provide information about your child’s strengths and needs, but you’ll also approve the selection of the Big Brother or Sister. Just like volunteers, children and their guardians are interviewed to thoroughly understand the child’s background and interests.

The goal is to match volunteers with children who share the same hobbies and activities and/or who are interested in trying new activities.

• Attending your child’s initial meeting with their Big Brother or Sister
• Approving activities and outings for your child
• Asking your child questions about those outings, and sharing what you learn with the agency staff
• Reporting your child’s progress and milestones to the agency on a regular basis
• Participating in child safety training offered by agency staff, and communicating with your child about the training he or she receives
• Attending family events sponsored by the agency and our community partners

You have the option to participate in the Family Advisory Council. The council is an important element of our Family Engagement plan, made up of family members to give direct insight and feedback on programs, and discuss questions and new ideas. This is a great way for parents and guardians who seek more involvement. To join the council, contact ellen.zientek@bbbsnorthwest.org.

Supporting our Families

Parents and guardians are not just part of the match process, they’re essential to the success of Big Brothers Big Sisters. The agency creates opportunities to support and engage families with children matched in our program through events such as the Free Clothing & Family Resources Meet-Up and the annual summer picnic. We also provide access to services and resources directly to the families, such as food boxes, utility assistance, bus passes, job counseling or low-cost medical care. We invite families to connect with community resources directly:

• United Way 211info is an easy-to-remember phone number that connects people to health and community services in the Portland area. 211info provides information about community services for eight counties in Oregon covering 60 percent of the state’s population.To connect, visit 211info.org or dial 211
  
• Oregon Healthy Kids is dedicated to making sure every child and teen in the state has access to health insurance their families can afford. Healthy Kids provides no-cost, low-cost and full-cost health coverage options for uninsured Oregon children and teens up to 19 years of age. To connect, visit oregonhealthykids.gov or dial 1.877.314.5678. Bilingual staff are available
  
• The Family Resource Center is a safe place for families in our community who are raising a child with mental health and behavioral challenges. The center is a space for families to gather for peer support, share experiences, and hold family activities and events. Families also benefit from an extensive resource library including access to internet resources. The Center was developed and is managed by a parent who has raised a child with mental health and behavior health challenges. To connect, visit albertinakerr.org or dial 503.239.8101