Opportunities From: United Way of East Central Iowa

School-based mentors meet once a week or every other week at school For one-to-one mentoring at the child's school for at least one year Bigs and Littles typically meet once a week to read together, play sports or computer games, or simply talk about life and personal issues just as friends do. School-based mentoring is not a tutoring program, however, research has shown that of all children matched with a Big in school: 58% improved their school performance 65% showed higher levels of self-confidence 55% had a better attitude toward school.

Volunteers, 16+, are matched for a school year with one elementary student grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade Students at Johnson, Kenwood, Taylor, Van Buren, Hiawatha, Garfield, Arthur and Hoover Elementaries in Cedar Rapids are currently being matched with Lunch Buddies.

Follow this link to schedule your interview or to learn more: https://go.oncehub.com/BigCR 

Join as a Big Brother or Big Sister and ignite the potential of a youth in our community today! 

Community-based mentors explore activities throughout the community together, sharing interests, adventures, and good times. You can join on your own (one-on-one mentorship), as a couple (romantic partner, friend, or family member), or as a family (bring your Little on activities you would already be doing with your children and partner)! 

It takes little to be big! 

What we ask:

Spend time with a Little in our community who is looking for at least one additional caring adult to be in their lives Get together once a month (or more!) for a year Be 19+ years old with a valid drivers license and car insurance

What you get:

The opportunity to make a positive impact on a kiddo while completing fun activities in our community (going to the library, a park, playing a sport or board game, and so much more) A potential life-long friend (some of our matches have lasted decades with Bigs participating in Little's college graduations, weddings, and more) A chance to make a real difference in a young person's life in our community

Join us and become a mentor today to make a lasting difference in the life of a child and your own!

 

Follow this link to learn more or schedule your interview: https://go.oncehub.com/BigCR

It's time to have fun again! Be the teammate a kid in our community needs to fulfill their potential. Our goal is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our one-to-one mentoring program in Cedar Rapids is the only one certified in Linn County.   The community-based program is when a Big (mentor) and Little (child) are paired together and they meet at least 1 time a month to do activities together. Activities can include going to play sports in the park, hanging out and watching a movie or playing a board game, going to a Kernals or Roughriders game, or simply meeting up to have lunch and talk about how they’re doing. BBBS has deals and discounts with partners in the community to support activities with your little.   We have individual 1:1 matches, couple matches (you & a friend or spouse paired with a child), and family matches!   Are you the person, couple, or family we are looking for? - 19 years or older - Valid Driver's License - Commit to 1 hour a month for a year - Want to be matched with a child 6-14 years old -Have fun and make lifelong memories -Be someone to trust and learn from   All volunteers and children are fully screened, assessed, and supported to ensure the safety of our program participants. Matching is based on preferences and interests. To begin the volunteer acceptance process visit: https://www.bigcr.org/be-a-big/ or call us at 319.377.8993!