Our Programs

Go Girls! is a group mentoring program for girls ages 11-14 that focuses on physical activity, balanced eating and self-esteem. The single, most important goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of young women and girls by helping them build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach their full potential in life.

The Go Girls! program consists of seven mentoring sessions, held over a 7 week period, within school facilities. Each 1.5-2 hour-long session is loosely structured around four themes: physical activity, healthy eating, self-esteem, and communication skills.

For more information, please contact Darlene Jamieson at the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency by phone at 705-474-3041 ext. 2 or by email at darlene.jamieson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

  VOLUNTEER

Game On! is a group mentoring program for providing boys and young men with information and support to make informed choices about a range of healthy lifestyle practices. Through non-traditional physical activities, complemented with healthy eating support, participants are engaged in life skills, communication, and emotional health discussions designed to engage participants in the pursuit of life-long healthy lifestyles.

Game On! includes seven 75-minute core sessions. There are also four extension modules that capture potential issues and topics specific to various locales and the interests of the mentors and participants.

For more information, please contact Darlene Jamieson at the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency by phone at 705-474-3041 ext. 2 or by email at darlene.jamieson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

  VOLUNTEER

Big Bunch serves children who are already enrolled with the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency and are currently waiting for a traditional Big Brother or Big Sister match. A Big Bunch match presents the opportunity to take part in community activities in a small group setting.

Littles who are selected for a Big Bunch match are placed into groups with other Littles who are close in age and who have similar interests. Each group match will be comprised of two or thee Littles, with one Big Sister or Big Brother.

Littles will meet with one group mentor out in the community twice a month for five months. (Each group match is comprised of 10 outings.)

For more information, please contact Darlene Jamieson at the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency by phone at 705-474-3041 ext. 2 or by email at darlene.jamieson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

    VOLUNTEER

What is it?

The Youth-in-Transition Program is a new program funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services that offers young people assistance with employment services and training, education resources, housing supports, health and mental health services, life skills training and legal services by connecting them to the numerous resources present within the community. The Youth-in-Transition Worker offers the youth support while guiding and mentoring them through their transition to independence.

Who is eligible?

The target population for the program is youth leaving care who are aged 16-24 who were subject to either:

1. A Crown wardship, legal custody order under section 65.2 of theChild and Family Services Act, or formal customary care agreement as defined under the Ontario Permanency Funding Policy Guidelines immediately prior to the youth’s 18^th birthday; or
2. Were eligible to receive Renewed Youth Supports (RYS) at ages 16 and/or 17, whether or not the youth actually received RYS.

What does it offer?

The Youth-in-Transition Program will:

• Assess your current situation and assist you with achieving your goals;
• Support you through your transition to independence;
• Provide you with relevant Community Partners’ contact information;
• Assist you with the development of life skills through workshops and one-to-one supports;
• Provide you with occasional transportation and accompaniment for appointments and meetings;
• Provide you with a safe environment to express yourself, without judgement;
• Provide you with an opportunity to get involved in all of the free activities and trips that Big Brothers Big Sisters offers such as Halloween and Christmas Parties, Wonderland, Annual Camping Trips, Barbecues, Fishing, and many more!

How do I enroll?

For more information, please contact Chloe Imbeau at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Office by phone at 705-474-3041 ext. 6 or by e-mail at chloe.imbeau@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

BIG Possibilities

The RBC BIG Possibilities Program is funded through RBC Future Launch and supported by BBBSC. The community-based/site-based program will focus on strengthening critical soft skills for future employment, through Soft Skills Training and Experiential Learning Opportunities. Participants of the program include: University Placement Students (aged 18-25), current Mentors (aged 18-25), and current Mentees (aged 16-25). Mentorship will support and enable critical soft skills; 1 mentor : 3 mentees.

Critical Soft-Skills Include:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Leadership
• Teamwork

For more information, please contact Serena Lecappelain at Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay and District at 705-474-3041 ext. 5 or email s.lecappelain@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca