About Us
Big Friend Little Friend Mentoring is a one-to-one mentoring model:
Children and teens, aged 7-14* (Littles), are matched with a committed adult volunteer (Big), who develops and maintains trusted relationships, serving as a positive role model and source of reliable support. Matches are based on Littles’ needs and Bigs’ backgrounds and skills, as well as common interests and personalities, allowing for a strong connection to grow over time. Bigs develop friendships, model positive behaviors, point out teachable moments and provide guidance and inspiration.
*Child can be enrolled up to age 14, but once matched, can stay in the program until HS graduation.
Our
Mission
Provide Mitchell area youth the opportunity to achieve a future filled with hope and the capacity to succeed through a caring mentoring relationship.
Our
Vision
Empower youth through supportive mentoring relationships.
Inspiring Hope.
Changing Lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Place your mouse over the below Frequently Asked Questions to reveal the answer.
How much time do Bigs and Littles spend together?
-
1 hour per week, 1 year commitment
Who are the Little's in the program?
-
Our Littles come from various types of home environments and family structures, different socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and neighborhoods and schools across our area.
How will I be matched?
-
The application/interview process helps us get to know your personality, interests, age preferences and background. We match based upon common interests.
Will mentors be trained?
-
After extensive background and reference checks, our community-based volunteers complete a 2 hour training before being matched.
How does BFLF support me after I am matched?
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We provide ongoing match support throughout the duration of your match along with monthly match activities and a community card with discounts.
Does BFLF cost anything?
No. There is no cost to be a Little Friend. For our mentors, we encourage they explore no-cost or low-cost activities with their Little Friend such as bike riding, going to parks, playing board games, etc…
Board of Directors
President: Beth Haar
Treasurer: Cody Thomsen
Ashley Geraets
Luke Hagen
Kaitlyn James
Chelsea Kulm
Vice President: Kate McEntee
Secretary: Kelsey Ruml
Taryn Ragels
Shelly Muth-Henke
Nathan Weber
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time do Bigs and Littles spend together?
1 hour per week, 1 year commitment
Who are the Little’s in the program?
Our Littles come from various types of home environments and family structures, different socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and neighborhoods and schools across our area.
How will I be matched?
The application/interview process helps us get to know your personality, interests, age preferences and background. We match based upon common interests.
Will mentors be trained?
After extensive background and reference checks, our community-based volunteers complete a 2 hour training before being matched.
How does BFLF support me after I am matched?
We provide ongoing match support throughout the duration of your match along with monthly match activities and a community card with discounts.
Does BFLF cost anything?
No. There is no cost to be a Little Friend. For our mentors, we encourage they explore no-cost or low-cost activities with their Little Friend such as bike riding, going to parks, playing board games, etc…
History
April 1, 2010
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mitchell Area opened to serve kids in the Mitchell community.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mitchell Area was considered a satellite of the Sioux Falls Big Brothers Big Sisters.
June 2010
First match in the Community-Based program
February 2013
First match in the School-Based program
April 2013
Started the Mentor Mom program
July 1, 2015
Left the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and became Big Friend Little Friend of the Mitchell Area.
The transition to Big Friend Little Friend of the Mitchell Area gave the Board of Directors more decision-making power. The board members are all invested in helping BFLF thrive in the Mitchell community and are able to strategically find ways to help BFLF thrive because they are all members of the Mitchell community themselves. Operating as an independent non-profit organization also ensured that all of the money received through donations would stay in the Mitchell community and be used to help area kids.
2020
Tenth anniversary of empowering children through supportive mentoring relationships!