General program information:

Which areas does the program serve?
What age of children do you serve? Is my child too old?
How long will my child wait to be served?
My child has a family member who is in jail/prison, does it change their status on the waiting list?
What kind of volunteers do you have?
How do you screen volunteers?

The process of being matched:

How will I be matched with a child?
How do children come into the program?
Who are the children in the program?

What it’s like to be a Big:

When can I see my Little?
How much money should I spend?
What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?
Can I bring my spouse/friend/family member on outings?
What kind of support can I expect from BBBS once I get matched?

Donating to Big Brothers Big Sisters:

How do I make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters?
How can I donate a vehicle to Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Where does Big Brothers Big Sisters get its funding?
How is my donation used? (Where does my money go?)
How do I make a donation in honor or memory of someone, and let them or their family know?
Is there a minimum donation?

The Central Texas agency serves children who live in the following counties:  Travis, Williamson, and Hays.

What age of children do you serve? Is my child too old?

Children must be at least 6-years-old and no older than 14-years-old at the time that they application is submitted. If a child turns 15 while on our waiting list, unfortunately, they must be removed. When in a match, children are not aged out of the program until they turn 18. At that time, their match is officially closed.

How long will my child wait to be served?

There is a waiting list to be a Big Brother or Big Sister. The length of wait varies by gender and situation. For girls, it might be between a few months to one year. For boys, it averages about 1.5 to 3 years. If a child is eligible to be matched under a specific grant, they might move through the process faster. We will know more information about the expected wait time once we see the completed application.

My child has a family member who is in jail/prison, does it change their status on the waiting list?

Currently, we have grant funding that allows us to match more quickly the children who have an incarcerated family member. Under this funding, the wait list for a girl and for boys under the age of 11 who are willing to accept a Big Sister might be reduced.

What kind of volunteers do you have?

The only age requirement for our Bigs is that they are over 18-years of age. Beyond that, the scope is quite large. We have college students, young adults, and retirees, with plenty of people in between. Our volunteers are all excited to become involved in your child's life.

How do you screen volunteers?

Our volunteers are interviewed by an Enrollment Specialist as part of their screening. We also run a very thorough national background check, where we review criminal history, driving records and screen for sex offenders. Our first concern is your child's safety.

How will I be matched with a child?

The enrollment and interview process helps us to get to know your preferences as well as the situation best suited for you. It also helps you get to know us and the program expectations. We take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location. But the final decision is yours.

How do children come into the program?

Children and parents may hear about BBBS from a teacher, a counselor, their church, a friend, commercials, etc. All children and their parents choose to be in our program.

Who are the children in the program?

Our Littles come from many types of home environments and family structures, different social-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and neighborhoods and schools across all communities. Their backgrounds and personalities are unique, but they all have a need for friendship with a caring adult.

When can I see my Little?

Our Bigs and Littles decide together what they want to do and they get parent approval. We recommend that you keep a consistent schedule of outings and that you see each other on a regular basis. Your local agency will provide specific guidelines on expected frequency of activities with your Little. Until your relationship is established the outings will also depend on the comfort level of your Little’s parent, your Little, and you. If your Little is younger, a shorter outing might be better.

How much money should I spend?

We discourage you from spending a lot of money on your outings. The goal of the relationship is friendship. You should focus your time on getting to know each other. We encourage you to seek out free or low-cost activities, especially in the beginning. BBBS agencies often offer group activities that are a great way to meet other Bigs and Littles! You may also receive notices for opportunities for free tickets for your match to attend a variety of cultural and sports activities.

What are some good ideas for outings with my Little?

Share an activity that gives you something in common to talk about. Buy a comic book to read to each other, play a board game, or take a ride in the car with the radio on while you discuss music! You want to select activities that give each of you a chance to learn more about one another . For children, playing can be learning. Most important: have FUN!

Can I bring my spouse/friend/family member on outings?

In the beginning it is important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. Over time it is also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Keep in mind that if you’re spending lots of time with others your Little may begin to feel jealous or neglected. Remember that the main focus is the friendship YOU have with your Little. The local agency you work with may also have specific guidelines to assist you.

What kind of support can I expect from BBBS once I get matched?

Once you are matched with your Little, a Match Support Specialist from the agency will be in regular contact with you to provide assistance and give feedback. Anytime you are unsure about what to do or how to handle a situation, you will have a Match Support Specialist there to help. You’ll receive ideas for activities, guidance for handling possible difficult situations, and feedback on how you are making a difference, just by showing up!
You will be joining over 240,000 other volunteers in the BBBS family!

How do I make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters?

It's easy to make a donation online! Simply click here to go to the donation form.  To donate by mail, please send check or money order to:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas
1400 Tillery Street
Austin, Texas 78721

To donate by phone, please call 512-472-5437.

How can I donate a vehicle to Big Brothers Big Sisters?

For vehicle donations, including autos, boats, trailers, motorcycles, etc, please call Adessa Impact at this toll free number:  800-710-9145 or look at more information here.  A synopsis of the process is as follows: when you call, answer the preliminary questions about the vehicle. The info is processed and arrangements are made to pick-up the donated vehicle from the owner. At this point the donor receives a receipt for the vehicle.  The vehicle is transported to an auction house or salvage dealer, whichever is deemed more appropriate. Once the vehicle arrives at auction or salvage, it is processed and sold.  The charity receives the amount of the car less vendor expenses (sales, fees, towing and vendor fees).
 

Where does Big Brothers Big Sisters get its funding?

BBBS is a non-profit organization supported by funds from generous donors including individuals, federal, state and local government, foundations and corporations.

How is my donation used? (Where does my money go?)

Your donation will support the BBBS agency serving your community according to your zip code. As a professional mentoring organization, BBBS requires resources to maintain a well trained staff to screen volunteers, make matches, and support relationships between Bigs and Littles -- to achieve the kind of success that shows proven results.  Click here to read more.

How do I make a donation in honor or memory of someone, and let them or their family know?

Please use our online memorial and tribute gift form to make a donation in honor or memorial. You can access this form here.  When you make a gift in someone's honor we will notify the person in whose honor the gift was made and notify you that your request has been fulfilled.  

Is there a minimum donation?

The online minimum donation is $5.  However, it is estimated that each "match" (between a Big and Little) costs one thousand ($1,000) dollar per year to support. Consider a donation of at least $25 to help support and defray the costs for the Bigs and Littles in your area. If you are asked to consider a donation, please keep in mind the true costs of helping. Your gift is greatly appreciated and your support is generously welcome.