Big Sib Mentoring Program
The Big Sib program is a mentoring program for low-income children between the ages of 6 and 16 involved with the Durham County
Department of Social Services.
What is Big Sib?
Qualifications to Become a Big Sib
What is Involved? | Typical Activities
Contact Information
Become a Big Sib -- Register Now
What is Big Sib?
The Big Sib mentoring program is designed to assist low-income children between the ages of 6 and 16 referred by a Department of Social
Services social worker. These children, identified by a social worker as someone who desperately needs the friendship and guidance of an
adult, are matched with positive role models who will spend several hours a week for at least one year with them.
Big Sib is a partnership between the Durham County Department of Social Services and the Volunteer Center of Durham.
Qualifications to Become a Mentor
Volunteers must
1. Spend at least eight hours a month, making weekly contact with the child
2. Be at least eighteen years of age or older
3. Be willing to commit to one year with the program
4. Have a driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and a good driving record
5. Provide three references
6. Complete an interview and screening process with the program director
7. Attend the 3-4 hour Big Sib training session
8. Have a clean criminal record
9. Have a big heart and lots of love to share
What Is Involved?
The answer is simple -- a friendship. Big Sibs are not there to take on the role of a guardian or parent. Instead, Big Sibs are there to
be a listening ear, to help the child explore his/her possibilities and interests, and to expose the child to experiences he or she may
not get a chance to be exposed to.
Being a Big Sib does not mean that you have to find tons of extra time in your already tight schedule. Big Sibs often try to include
the child in the things they already do, such as grocery shopping or going to the library. It is important to help teach them basic life
skills that they will use the rest of their lives.
Typical Activities
* Go to the park
* Bake cookies
* Read a book
* Visit a college campus
* Go to the movies
* Visit the police or fire station
* Play basketball or tennis
* Visit the airport or a museum
* Go fishing
* Fly a kite
* Help a neighbor
* Have a picnic
* Plant a garden
* Go to the library
* Ride bikes
* Walk or jog together
Contact Information
For questions or to get started, please call:
Tasha Melvin
919-688-8977 ext. 25
Director of DSS Volunteer Programs
Volunteer Center of Durham
tasha@thevolunteercenter.org
Or you can register online with the registration form below!
Become a Big Sib -- Register now
