Our Programs
Within each program, Bigs and Littles get together on their own to share in fun activities they both enjoy. Matches typically meet for two hours a week. Some Bigs meet their Littles on the weekends while others get together with their Littles in the evenings. Each match is unique and develops a schedule that works for them. We require at least a 12 month commitment from our Bigs and Littles, and an additional 6 month window for enrollment.
Getting together is a great time for both the Big and the Little. It doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activities; just a couple of hours a week to share the simple things you already like to do. Things like playing at the park, going to a museum, baking cookies, planting a garden or visiting a local orchard.
Little Achievers
Future Risers
The Little Achievers Program focuses on providing children ages 6-10 with a consistent and positive role model. A professionally supported mentor can assist in helping a child to build relationships at home or at school, choosing to say no to risky behaviors, and finding stability during times of adversity.
The Future Risers Program provides pre-teen and teen youth with an aspirational role model; someone who can be consistent during times of change and development. Mentors guide youth toward positive youth development, the avoidance of risky behaviors, and academic success.
Aspire Higher
Thrive
The Aspire Higher Program seeks to meet teen boys where there are by partnering with the Blue Ridge Detention Center and enrolling youth who have had contact with the juvenile justice system. Mentors in the Aspire Higher Program are consistent, aspirational role models who can help broaden the teen’s horizons from the sidewalks of their neighborhood toward academic opportunities, arts and culture and a renewed and consistent belief of positive self-worth.
The Thrive Program seeks to be a positive force in building a cohesive community for all in the Charlottesville area by providing mentors for youth in refugee families. Mentors provide stability during a time when refugees, asylees or other immigrants are seeking to rebuild their lives. They can assist youth in finding academic and career opportunities, and initiate dialogue to learn from others and enrich the community.
Madison House
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Blue Ridge has partnered with Madison House, an organization that connects UVA students with volunteer opportunities, to provide college Bigs (“Big Sibs”). Madison House Big Sibs function very similarly as the Bigs in other programs with a few differences. They don’t spend time with their Little at home and they typically leave town for a few months for winter and summer breaks. Families can request a college-aged Big during the enrollment process in order to participate in the Madison House Program.