PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring

ABOUT:

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring program matches a child 6-17 years of age with a caring adult over the age of 18. Through regular outings, a Developmental Relationship is formed between the Mentor and the Mentee, which is built on trust and common interests and is supported by our experienced staff. With the support of their volunteer Mentors, children can increase their self-confidence, enhance social skills, and engage in new experiences within their community. Unique opportunities to mentor a child as a couple are available in our Couples for Kids program, or as a female-identified volunteer matched with a male-identified Mentee through our Big Buddy program.

TIME:

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring program requires at least two regularly scheduled outings a month of a few hours each and a minimum of a one-year commitment.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Have at least a G2 Driver’s License with vehicle insurance
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person

GROUP MENTORING

ABOUT:

The Group Mentoring program is a structured group environment where volunteer Mentors support children and youth in a 1:2 ratio through fun skill-based activities. Group Mentoring Mentees participate in sports, social outings, community tours, interactive learning, and more! With the support of their Mentors, Mentees will develop their social and leadership skills, increase their confidence, and improve their communication skills.

TIME:

The Group Mentoring program runs one night a week from September to June.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Group Mentoring program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Have at least a G2 Driver’s License with vehicle insurance
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have weeknight evening availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people

BIGS ON CAMPUS

ABOUT:

In Partnership with University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and Sheridan College, Bigs On Campus empowers youth to develop social, academic, and leadership skills in a structured group environment. Mentors in this program are UTM and Sheridan students. They are matched with youth (9-13) and together, groups of matches meet weekly and participate in fun skill-based activities, including sports, social outings, community tours, interactive learning and more. Mentors encourage their Mentees to explore post-secondary education, increase their confidence, and learn in a supportive group environment.

TIME:

The Bigs On Campus program runs one night a week from September to April.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Bigs On Campus program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be enrolled in a post-secondary program at either UTM or Sheridan College
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
  • Have weeknight evening availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people

BIG POSSIBILITIES

ABOUT:

Big Possibilities is a virtual group mentoring program designed to help teens gain knowledge and confidence to expand their future possibilities. Through a series of workshops hosted by professional guest speakers and Mentors, Mentees will increase their post-secondary readiness, develop employability skills, learn strategies to support their mental wellness, and more!

TIME:

The Big Possibilities program takes place via Zoom. Workshops and seminar dates are sent to all registrants. Mentees may choose to attend any sessions that are relevant and interesting to them.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Big Possibilities program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have weeknight evening availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people
  • Have a demonstrated passion for lifelong learning

PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS

IN-SCHOOL MENTORING

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ABOUT:

Offered in partnership with local school boards, the In-School Mentoring program matches elementary students with a uniquely suited role model to talk to and share common interests with. In this one-to-one program, the Mentor and Mentee spend quality time together on school property. Through regular meetings, a Developmental Relationship is formed. With the support of their Mentor, Mentees demonstrate improved self-confidence, social skills, and school engagement.

TIME:

In-School Mentoring matches meet for one hour a week during school hours for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the In-School Mentoring program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have day-time availability
  • Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person

IN-SCHOOL MENTORING+

ABOUT:

In-School Mentoring+ is a one-to-one program that enables elementary students to build a Developmental Relationship with a caring adult Mentor while receiving educational support. Match meetings take place at school for one hour each week. The added and unique bonus with this new adaptation of the In-School Mentoring program is that Mentors are university students studying in the Faculty of Education and can therefore provide individualized academic support for their Mentees. These matches typically begin in the fall and continue until April.

TIME:

In-School Mentoring+ matches meet for one hour a week during school hours from October to April. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays. This program requires a minimum time commitment of one term.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the In-School Mentoring+ program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be enrolled in a post-secondary Faculty of Education program
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
  • Have day-time availability
  • Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person

TEEN MENTORING

ABOUT:

Similar to the In-School Mentoring program, Teen Mentoring matches elementary students with caring secondary school Mentors, aged 16+. Matches meet one hour each week in a supervised group setting at the Mentee’s school. The Mentor and Mentee spend quality time together resulting in a Developmental Relationship that supports the Mentee’s social skill development, school engagement, and improves their self-confidence.

TIME:

Teen Mentoring matches meet for one hour a week during the school day or after school. The program runs from September to June. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays. This program requires a minimum time commitment of one term.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Teen Mentoring program must:

  • Be at least 14 years old
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
  • Have daytime availability
  • Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a younger person

GO GIRLS! HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS!

ABOUT:

Go Girls! is a group mentoring program designed to connect and empower female-identifying youth in grades 6–8. Facilitated by trained Mentors, Mentees are provided with the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive discussions and activities. The program promotes physical activity, balanced eating, self-confidence, and stress management. It is delivered once a week during the school day for 7 consecutive weeks.

*This program is open to all female-identifying individuals. This includes trans, cis-gender, non-binary, two spirt or anyone else who feels they belong. If you have any questions, please reach out to Director of Service Delivery & Partnerships, Katie Lowes.

TIME:

Go Girls! runs once a week for 7 weeks within school facilities. Each session is between 1–2 hours long.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Go Girls! program must:

  • Be between 18-30 years old
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have day-time availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people

GAME ON! EAT SMART, PLAY SMART!

ABOUT:

Game On! is a group mentoring program for male-identifying youth in grades 6-8. Facilitated by trained Mentors, Mentees are provided with the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive discussions and activities. The program promotes physical activity, positive nutrition, stress management, and interpersonal relationship skills. It is delivered once a week during the school day for 7 consecutive weeks.

*This program is open to all male-identifying individuals. This includes trans, cis-gender, non-binary, two spirt or anyone else who feels they belong. If you have any questions, please reach out to Director of Service Delivery & Partnerships, Katie Lowes.

TIME:

Game On! runs once a week for 7 weeks within school facilities. Each session is between 1–2 hours long.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Game On! program must:

  • Be between 18-30 years old
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have day-time availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people

WELLNESS WARRIORS

ABOUT:

Wellness Warriors is a gender inclusive group mentoring program for children and youth in grades 3–8. Facilitated by trained Mentors, Mentees are provided with the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive discussions and activities. The program promotes mental, physical, and social wellness. It is delivered once a week during the school day for 7 consecutive weeks.

TIME:

Wellness Warriors runs once a week for 7 weeks within school facilities. Each session is between 1–2 hours long.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Wellness Warriors program must:

  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have day-time availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people

PROGRAMS FOR NEWCOMER CHILDREN & YOUTH

CONVERSATION CLUB

ABOUT:

Conversation Club is a group mentoring program for newcomer youth ages 12-18. Mentees and Mentors meet weekly during school or after school hours to build language, social, leadership skills. Mentors support peer-to-peer interaction and relationship building among Mentees from different backgrounds. Together, Mentees participate in workshops, field trips, and activities that help them learn more about Canada and their community. This program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and
Citizenship Canada.

TIME:

The Conversation Club program runs weekly from September to June.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Conversation Club program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have lived in Canada for at least 5 years
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have day-time availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people new to Canada

FRANCOPHONE SERVICES:

Pour des services d’établissement en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter:

English Translation: If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services, please contact:

Peel Region: Connecture Canada

York Region: Association des francophones de la région de York

NEWCOMER ART

ABOUT:

Newcomer Art is a group mentoring program for newcomer children in grades 2-5. The program provides opportunities for self-expression, English language skill development, and supportive interactions with Mentors. Mentees and Mentors meet weekly on school property to participate in creative art, drama, and music activities.

TIME:

The Newcomer Art program runs weekly from September to June.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Newcomer Art program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have lived in Canada for at least 3 years
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have day-time availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with children new to Canada

FRANCOPHONE SERVICES:

Pour des services d’établissement en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter:

English Translation: If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services, please contact:

Peel Region: Connecture Canada

York Region: Association des francophones de la région de York

GO GIRLS! NEWCOMER PROGRAM

ABOUT:

A school-based mentoring program for girls in grades 7 – 8 that have recently arrived as a refugee or newcomer. The program is run from an anti-oppressive lens to promote active living, healthy eating and confidence building. Female mentors between the ages of 18 – 28 years are trained to lead fun and interactive sessions over 8 weeks.

TIME:

The Go Girls! Newcomer Program consists of eight mentoring sessions, held over an 8 week period, within school facilities. Each session is 1.5 -2 hours long.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors must identify as female, be between 18 – 28 years of age, require a police record check and should have an interest or passion for working with youth from diverse backgrounds, and promoting physical and mental well-being.

PROGRAMS FOR BLACK YOUTH

In partnership with Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC)

BCAC BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS MENTORING

ABOUT:

In partnership with the Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC) of the United Way of Greater Toronto, BCAC Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring provides youth from the Black community with a caring Black adult Mentor to promote strong cultural and self-identity. Through regular outings, a Developmental Relationship is formed between the Mentor and Mentee which is built on trust and common interests and is supported by our experienced staff. Through these relationships Mentees can increase their self-confidence and leadership skills, become engaged in their community through cultural activities, and are provided with encouragement, support, and strategies when faced with barriers, discrimination, or challenges.

TIME:

The BCAC Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring program requires at least two regularly scheduled outings a month of a few hours each and a minimum of a one-year commitment.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Identify with the Black community
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Have at least a G2 Driver’s License with vehicle insurance
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person that empowers cultural connection

BCAC TEEN MENTORING

ABOUT:

BCAC Teen Mentoring matches elementary students from the Black community with caring secondary school Mentors from the Black community, aged 16+. Matches meet one hour each week in a supervised group setting at the Mentee’s school. The Mentor and Mentee spend quality time together resulting in a Developmental Relationship that supports the Mentee’s social skill development, school engagement, and improves their self-confidence. Cultural activities are facilitated that create a sense of community and belonging.

TIME:

BCAC Teen Mentoring matches meet for one hour a week during the school day or after school. The program runs from September to June. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays. This program requires a minimum time commitment of one term.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the BCAC Teen Mentoring program must:

  • Be at least 14 years old
  • Identify with the Black community
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
  • Have daytime availability
  • Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a younger person that empowers cultural connection

BCAC IN-SCHOOL MENTORING

ABOUT:

The BCAC In-School Mentoring program matches elementary students from the Black community with caring adult Mentors from the Black community. In this one-to-one program, the Mentor and Mentee spend quality time together on school property doing fun and culturally reflective activities. Through regular meetings, a Developmental Relationship is formed. With the support of their Mentor, Mentees demonstrate improved self-confidence, social skills, and school engagement.

TIME:

BCAC In-School Mentoring matches meet for one hour a week during school hours for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the BCAC In-School Mentoring program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Identify with the Black community
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
  • Have day-time availability
  • Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person that empowers cultural connection

BLACK YOUTH MENTORING

ABOUT:

In Partnership with University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and Sheridan College, Black Youth Mentoring empowers youth to develop strong cultural connections while building social, academic, and leadership skills in a structured group environment. Mentors are UTM and Sheridan students from the Black community. They are matched with youth (9-13) from the Black community and together, groups of matches meet weekly and participate in fun skill-based activities, including sports, social outings, community tours, interactive learning and more. Mentors encourage their Mentees to explore post-secondary education, increase their confidence, and learn in a supportive group environment, while embracing their shared and unique identities

TIME:

The Black Youth Mentoring program runs one night a week from September to April.

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors in the Black Youth Mentoring program must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Identify with the Black community
  • Be enrolled in a post-secondary program at either UTM or Sheridan College
  • Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
  • Have weeknight evening availability
  • Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people that empowers cultural connection