In This Section: Program Options | What To Expect
Thank you for your interest in our Community based mentoring programs. At this time we are only accepting new referrals from our partners within Family Resource Networks or youth and families with involvement with Children and Family Services. These referrals can be submitted to Laura Nguyen at laura.nguyen@bgcbigs.ca or by calling 780-490-6843.
However, we’re happy to announce that general intake for our PRISM program is open. Please submit referrals for PRISM to Holly Lassesen at holly.lassesen@bgcbigs.ca or by calling 780-860-2570.
Due to overwhelming requests for mentorship and connection over the last several months, we have had to close our general intake for new youth applications. We’re continuing our efforts in Volunteer Recruitment and are excited to be piloting a new site-based mentoring program this Fall to better serve the youth who are currently on our waitlists. We hope to increase our capacity for new youth in the future.
Program Options
With multiple programs to choose from, finding the right fit for you, your goals and availability is easy.
Please see below for the program options in Strathcona County!
Community-Based Program
*Note: We are currently only accepting new referrals from our partners within Children Services and Family Resource Networks.
Traditionally known as Big Brothers Big Sisters, our mentoring programs have grown in their diversity over the years. We’ll match your child with a mentor who will spend time with them out in the community. The focus is on positive role modelling.
In addition, we enroll young people who have had involvement with Children Services and could be living in alternate arrangements such as Foster Homes, Group Homes, or Kinship placements.
Ages Served: Children and youth between ages 6 and 24.
PRISM Mentoring Program
PRISM is a mentoring program designed specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Edmonton and Area.
The PRISM program matches children and youth who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ with an adult mentor who also identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ for a 1:1 mentoring relationship. Through regular outings, the match will foster a supportive, empowering, and fun friendship!
Ages Served: Children and youth between ages 6 and 24.
In-School Mentoring Program
Our In-School Mentoring Program provides young people with a role model and friend to talk to all from the familiar space of their own school. Children and youth ages 6-18 are matched with a mentor who will meet with them for an hour every week. Each meeting follows the “20-20-20 model,” which involves 20 minutes of getting to know each other, 20 minutes of school work support, and 20 minutes of your children or youth’s choice in activities. All mentors are fully screened and trained by our agency and contact with mentors is limited to the school setting only.
Currently we have partnerships for in school mentoring programs at Brentwood Elementary, Woodbridge Farms Elementary, Glen Allan Elementary, and Holy Spirit Catholic School. Other schools interested in learning more can reach out to Alexandra Jansen at alexandra.jansen@bgcbigs.ca for more information.
Ages Served: Children and youth between ages 6 and 18.
Please note that your child must attend one of the schools listed on the application to have an in-school mentor. Click here to see a list of our schools.
Enrollment Process
1. Application Form
Community-Based Mentoring: At this time we are only accepting new referrals from our partners within Family Resource Networks or youth and families with involvement with Children and Family Services. These partners can submit referrals to Laura Nguyen at laura.nguyen@bgcbigs.ca or by calling 587-926-0025.
PRISM: Please submit referrals for PRISM to Holly Lassesen at holly.lassesen@bgcbigs.ca or by calling 780-860-2570.
In-School Mentoring: Complete the application form by clicking the “Enroll a child” button below. You can see the list of qualifying schools in the application.
2. Consents, Interview and Training
Once we receive your application, we’ll contact you to ensure that we have all the pieces needed for our program. Depending on the program this could include signing consent forms, completing an interview to get to know you and your child, and completing a training to prepare you and your child for the program.
3. Matching
This is when we find your child a volunteer mentor who will be a good fit.