Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey
(732) 544-2224
Asbury Park
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey [BBBSCNNJ] makes a positive difference in the lives of children through professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships with adult volunteers. Our programs and volunteers empower children to achieve their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent, and caring individuals.
BBBSCNNJ provides one-to-one mentoring for youth ages 6-18 through our Community Based, School-Based, Workplace, College, Bigs in Blue, CARES, and Youth Empowerment programs. By placing children in a quality mentoring relationship, we are able to provide them the tools they need to become competent, confident, and caring members of their community.
Our Community Based Program is the traditional mentoring program that connects children ages 6-17 with committed volunteers that are 19 years of age or older. “Bigs” and “Littles” spend quality one-to-one time out in the community 4-6 hours a month. Together they engage in fun, low-cost, friendship-building activities. The goal of the mentoring relationship is to provide positive guidance and support to enhance the child’s ability to become a confident, competent, and caring adult. A minimum of a one year commitment is required for the program with the hope that the friendship will last a lifetime!
In addition to community-based mentoring, we offer School-Based, Workplace, and College Mentoring programs where students are matched with mentors to learn more about the transition to high school or college, professional development and workplace opportunities, and overall building friendships with a positive older mentor.
The Youth Empowerment Program is a group mentoring program for children (11-17) who have minor involvement with the juvenile justice system. Youth connect with mentors in a virtual setting that allows for group discussion and one-to-one time. Participants engage in empowering interactive activities that are curated to the individual needs of the child and include content focused on financial literacy, social and emotional learning, college and workplace readiness, current events and social issues, building healthy habits – and much more. Once the program is completed successfully, interested youth are invited to join our Community Based Program.
Our C.A.R.E.S Program (Creating Access to Resources, Events, and Support) was developed for all youth enrolled in BBBSCNNJ as a way to address needs and provide benefits that go beyond mentoring. Through this initiative, BBBSCNNJ staff helps connect the families we serve to resources for needs such as home and food security, clothing, mental healthcare, tutoring, camp scholarships, school supplies, groceries, and gifts during the holidays.
When a natural disaster or health emergency arises, our agency works to ensure that we advocate and work quickly to ensure that the families we serve are provided with the resources they need to safely navigate through such challenges. This is made possible through the generosity of community members and businesses that reach out to support our families both in times of need and all year round. Through community partnerships, our C.A.R.E.S. Program also offers our Bigs, Littles, and children waiting to be matched with opportunities to enjoy experiences such as fishing trips, tickets to sporting events, theater, and concerts, holiday parties, back to school events, kayaking, cooking workshops, yoga classes, and more.
Eligibility | To be a Community Based mentor: 19 years or older, possession of a valid driver's license, car insurance, access to a car, and ability to commit to a year long friendship, where they see their Little twice a month for 2-4 hours each time. To enroll a child in our program, the child must be between the ages of 6-18, willing to participate and be engaged in the friendship with their mentor, ability to commit to a year long friendship. |
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Arts & RecreationBasic Needs / AssistanceCommunityEducationEmployment / TrainingFamily & Support Services |
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Behavioral / Mental Health |
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Last Updated: 08/08/24