OUR PROGRAMS

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the YMCA of Rock River Valley serves children from Boone and Winnebago counties. For more information on any of the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs, contact Lisa Ramsby at 815-489-1133 or email at lramsby@rockfordymca.org.

Community-Based Mentoring:

Carefully screened adult mentors (Bigs) are matched with children (Littles) ages 6-12 on a one-to-one basis. Matches meet twice a month, every other week, to engage in activities that meet mutual interests. The time spent together can include activities such as playing catch, watching movies, going to the YMCA, cheering on the local sports teams or simply hanging out. The most important thing is not the activity, but the time spent together building friendship and trust, lending guidance and care to the Little. Contact by phone is encouraged on a regular basis when not meeting face to face. The minimum commitment is one year of being a child's mentor.

SCHOOL-BASED MENTORING

Carefully screened mentors age 16 and older are matched with a child in elementary school grades K-5. The matches meet at the school once a week for an hour during lunch or after school. Activities include homework help, board games, gym or outside time, or simply talking. The minimum commitment is an academic school term, from August until June.

RAISE

Reaching And Inspiring Students for Education
This program is an unique one-to-one mentoring program which aims to increase access to and success in post secondary education for first generation college students at Jefferson High School in Rockford Public School District 205. Students are matched with a carefully screened adult volunteer to mentor and assist students who are unfamiliar with the post-secondary application process, and educate them on the opportunities a higher level of education can provide. The volunteers meet with students twice a month and then communicate through the following semesters in college.

YOU become a BIG deal in the life of your Little!

For More Information Contact:
Lisa Ramsby at 815-489-1133 or email at lramsby@rockfordymca.org