Volunteer

Become part of a community committed to empowering youth through mentorship and positive support. As a Big Homie volunteer, you’ll help build trusted relationships, strengthen confidence, and create opportunities that can change lives.
Thank you, sincerely, for your interest in being a Big Homie! We are currently accepting volunteers. The Big Homie Program is dedicated to gang intervention and prevention through group and one-on-one mentorship. Transforming the lives of Lil’ Homies in our community requires strong, positive long-term relationships.

Volunteer

We hope you find mentorship deeply rewarding, as it has been for us. Being a mentor means being a guide and leader who is both a homie and a resource in times of need. It’s about making a positive difference in someone’s life on an everyday level. We’ve seen the real differences mentorship makes over the course of many years, which is why we’re here. Mentorship and positive affirmation simply works. We hope you will share this success with us
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COMMITMENT

What it takes to be a Big Homie
As a volunteer, you are not required to stay for any exact period but we ask that you commit to a two-year relationship with a Lil’ Homie. A two year a minimum goal is important for the stability of the youth in our care.
  • Plan outings once in a while
  • A short conversation with the program manager once a month to report progress
  • Check on your Lil’ Homie once a week, twice a month minimum (depending on circumstances)
  • The Big Homie Program will support the costs of planned activities, etc.
Lastly, we are here to help and support you! We want you to reach out to us at any time for resources, help, or advice. Let us know ASAP about any concerns you have, about anything. We value our relationship with you the same way we value the relationship of a mentor to a mentee!

WHAT IS EXPECTED

We know that most of your time as a mentor will be spent hanging out, having conversations, and relationship building. We do have specific expectations for your time with a mentee and this short list might help you stay on track:
  • Show up! No relationship can happen without reliable connections!
  • Take the lead in supporting your mentee through frequent meetings
  • Take an interest in the needs, wants and desires of your mentee
  • Find common interests and explore them
  • Serve as a positive role model
  • Keep sensitive information confidential except as may cause them or others harm
  • Follow all rules and guidelines provided
  • Help set goals and work toward them
  • Plan outings once in a while
  • A short conversation with the program manager once a month to report progress
  • Check on your Lil’ Homie once a week, twice a month minimum (depending on circumstances)
  • The Big Homie Program will support the costs of planned activities, etc.
  • Seek out opportunities to both teach and learn from your Lil’ Homie
  • Work to nurture self-esteem and motivation; give your mentee positive affirmation

Frequently Asked Questions

A NOTE ABOUT ELIGIBILITY
Don’t turn away out of uncertainty! Anyone with knowledge of community, demonstrated ability and willingness to help mentees develop skills and achieve goals will be considered. Individuals with youth experience, especially in counseling or treatment venues, are strongly encouraged to join our efforts.

Of course, but we do require regular in-person interaction. It’s especially important that you respond when a Lil’ Homie reaches out.

Absolutely. We understand that volunteers have different schedules, and we’ll help you find a meeting plan that works for everyone.