Big Brothers Big Sisters

In Hood River and Klickitat County,

call Justine Ziegler, 541-490-9979

In Wasco County,

call Courtney Kendrick, 541-296-8118 x216

The way to change the world is one life at a time.
By becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, you can help change the world…one child at a time. Volunteers with our program are taking that opportunity—to share, to care, to be a friend—and to guide a child down the right path when he or she may not be sure which way to turn.

Who becomes a Little Brother or Little Sister?
Children in the program come from every community in Wasco, Hood River and Klickitat counties. Many come from single-parent homes, most are between the ages of 6 and 14, and all need a consistent, positive role model.

What is a Big Brother or Big Sister?
The role of a Big Brother or Big Sister is to provide caring, role modeling, and friendship to one boy or girl in our program. This new relationship is good news for a “Little” and something they look forward to each week. Our application process carefully matches the adult’s interests with the child’s and addresses any special needs or circumstances in that child’s life. Time spent could be as simple as just hanging out and talking or going for a ride, or could be an activity that both enjoy like a project around the home, puzzles, games, biking, hiking, baking, movies, fishing, crafts, computers, or going to the library. We have a few “Bigs” who even include their “Little” in family reunions or vacations.

Who can be a Big Brother or Big Sister?
To become a Big Brother or Sister, you must be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license & an insured vehicle. We also have the option of doing a “couples match” where partners mentor a child together.

How much time does it take?
Our Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and Couples see their Little Brothers and Little Sisters regularly for a total of 8 -10 hours per month for companionship and fun. Our agency requires a minimum one-year commitment and encourages continuing longer. We can support a match until the child graduates from high school. Ideally, you create a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

Who pays for this service?
There is no charge to the children or families who receive services from our agency. Our operating budget comes from county support, program fundraising, individual donations and grants from local and national foundations and businesses.

When is the best time to start?
The best time is now. There are youngsters who are waiting right now and hoping to make a new friend.

Great! I’m ready. How do I apply?
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister—we are excited about working with you! To become a Big Brother or Big Sister you will:

• be in good physical health
• make a one-year commitment to the child
• commit to regular contact with a child for about 8-10 hours each month
• work within all program guidelines and cooperate with program staff.

The application process takes several weeks. Once it is completed and you are accepted into the program, we will be looking for just the right Little Brother or Little Sister for you. The volunteer application process includes:

• a written application including personal references who we will contact
• consents for legal and motor vehicle records checks
• an in-home interview
• fingerprinting
• & training.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation with this in-depth application process. It helps us to better meet your needs and those of the children by matching you with the most appropriate Little Brother or Little Sister. Over 90% of applicants are accepted and placed on the waiting list to be matched with a Little Brother or Little Sister or sometimes, matched right away.

Please call your local match coordinator listed above, who will answer your questions and send you an application packet.

The need is great, and so are the rewards.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge’s largest fundraising event!

Saturday, March 9, 2013
Bowl for Kids’ Sake is coming
to Orchard Lanes in Hood River.

The stories on this 4 minute video will show you why we bowl. You only have 35-seconds? Try this one.

How does Big Brothers Big Sisters raise money from bowling?

• Every bowler raises money with their team.
• Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, clubs and congregations donate or pledge to support bowlers and teams.
• Team Captains recruit 4 other bowlers, for a team of 5 bowlers.
• Challenge your team to support a match for 3 months=$300, 6 months=$600, or 12 months=$1,200.
• Each team member raises a minimum of $60, and for those who raise $100 or more, we have a Bowl for Kids’ Sake t-shirt for you!Bowlers collect pledges on a Pledge Sheet
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge staff members help the Teams succeed.
• Local businesses sponsor part of the event. Learn more about sponsorships by calling Kristin Reese at 541-436-0305.

  Why do we go to all this fun?

• Today, about 87 kids in the Gorge have a Big Brother or Big Sister in their life. There are 17 more kids waiting for a “Big” of their own. With your support we will be able to serve more kids in 2013. We need you to Bowl–for Kids’ Sakes.

Where can I find answers to questions?

• We have a Frequently Asked Questions page just for you.
• Or contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at bbbs@nextdoorinc.org or 541-436-0305.

Where can I find Pledge Sheets?
• Right here! Team Captain Info and Pledge Sheet.
• IMPORTANT: Be sure your team has a bowling lane reserved! Contact BBBS at bbbs@nextdoorinc.org or 541-436-0305.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2012 was presented by:

 

and

Please thank our sponsors for all of their support!

Major Sponsors:

Les Schwab Tires in The Dalles & Hood River	NAPA Auto Parts
		Hood River Valley Christian Church

Flight Sponsors:

Lane Sponsors:

Centerpointe Community Bank	Hattenhauer Distributors	North Wasco PUD
Chinook Sailing Products	Oregon Cherry Growers	Columbia State Bank
Munsen Paving	Ferguson Enterprises	Hood River Juice Co.
Griffith Motors	Hood River Care Center	NW Windshields
Spooky’s Pizza		US Bank

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Columbia Gorge
Advisory Board