GROWING TO MEET THE NEED.
We have matched thousands of children facing adversity throughout the state with caring, supportive mentors. But the need for mentors has never been more pressing.
The following innovative approaches to expand mentoring opportunities are the next steps in helping close both the achievement and opportunity gaps that exist for too many underserved children and youth.
1-TO-1 Community Based Mentoring
The community-based program is our "traditional" mentoring program, where Bigs and Littles are matched in a one-to-one friendship based on gender, interests, personalities, and geographic locations. Volunteers are carefully screened and trained to create a positive impact by sharing their friendship, guidance, and support. Pairs meet at least twice per month for a couple hours to spend quality one-on-one time together, and form meaningful memories just by hanging out.
Mentors take the time to listen, encourage, and model positive behavior while doing everyday activities. Each match is professionally supported by a Match Support Specialist, who is there to support and advise Bigs and parents on this journey.
Workplace Mentoring
We partner with businesses to offer a unique mentoring experience. Littles visit a company office or workplace twice a month to meet with employee Bigs for group and one-to-one activities. These incredible partnerships offer companies on-site volunteer opportunities for their employees and give Littles a window into the workplace. By 2024, we envision expanding to eight workplace mentoring sites in key regions and industries throughout the state.
BIGS IN BADGES
Partnering with select law enforcement, fire, and ambulance departments in the state, our Bigs in Badges are matched in community-based or site-based settings with Littles in their communities. By 2024, we aim to expand this newly launched occupational mentoring program to a total of four communities throughout the Granite State.
P.R.I.S.M.
In 2019, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire launched PRISM (Pride. Respect. Identity. Safety. Mentoring). Working closely with Seacoast Outright, our PRISM program provides LGBTQ+ youth in our program with a supportive outlet and resources to navigate stigma and discrimination, through one-to-one mentoring.
Because of stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than non-LGBTQ+ youth to struggle with mental health. Connecting LGBTQ+ youth with ally adult mentors, who can relate to their experiences or be an ally in their corner, provides a supportive outlet to help change those odds.
Want to become an ally today and support youth through mentorship? Contact Jen at jmacleay@bbbsnh.org or 603.430.1140 ext. 1006
TRAUMA-INFORMED MENTORING PRACTICES
Toxic stress suffered from experiencing adversity early in life, such as abuse, neglect, or other trauma has been shown to increase the risk of negative health outcomes in children, including heart disease and diabetes; poor academic achievement; and substance misuse later in life. In a new collaboration, we pair college mentors from behavioral health and sciences programs with children who have suffered trauma. The program offers an extra layer of support to youth, while providing their mentors with training on trauma-informed practices to better prepare them for mentoring and their future practice.
Mentor 2.0
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire is thrilled to introduce its newest program, Mentor 2.0, a technology-enhanced, one-to-one mentoring program that provides transformative support to low-income and first-generation high school students.
Mentor 2.0 aims to provide students with an opportunity for college and career exploration, preparing them with the skills and tools to succeed after high school.
Students are matched with a mentor in their first year and work together throughout their high school experience following guided, weekly online communication through using a digital app and monthly in-person meetings during the school year.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Hampshire is seeking 50-60 individuals from a variety of career backgrounds to become volunteer mentors for a minimal commitment.
Have questions? Please contact our Mentor 2.0 Coordinator, Casey Loeffler at cloeffler@bbbsnh.org