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Youth Enrollment

Our program, along with many others in the Portland area, was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While work to recruit mentors to meet the needs of our community our youth enrollment is currently paused.

We welcome eligible youth and families to join our Interest List for future consideration for enrollment. You can review eligibility criteria below to assure our program is a fit for you and your youth.

Please note that this is not a first come first served list. We will contact youth and families from our interest list if and when we have capacity to make new matches in their area based on mentor availability. We do not guarantee that youth and families on our interest list will be contacted. We encourage families to inquire again in 6-12 months while they remain interested in a mentor for their child.

Please contact Enrollment & Matching Program Manager Amelia Spatz at 971-327-3044 or [email protected] with any questions.

Eligibility

Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest (BBBSCNW) builds bonds through one-to-one mentoring that enables youth facing adversity to reach their greatest potential. Our programs are offered free to the community, there is no cost to enroll youth in our program.

Youth Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Youth resides within Portland, Oregon or surrounding cities (including Vancouver, Washington).
  2. Youth is between the ages of 6 and 16 years old
  3. Youth and parent/guardian must agree to a one-year (12 month) commitment to the program from the time of being matched.
  4. Youth could benefit from an additional safe adult friend due to any of the following:
    – Concerns about self-esteem and self confidence
    – Wanting to build social skills and make more friends
    – Wanting more 1:1 time with a trusted friend
    – Mild-moderate emotional or mental health concerns
    – Struggles in school or other areas
  5. Youth must want to participate in the program voluntarily. Youth who do not want to participate in the program will not be enrolled.
  6. Parent/legal guardian and youth must be willing to partner with BBBS and communicate with their Match Support Specialist monthly. 

Please note that BBBSCNW does not guarantee a match to parents/guardians, youth or volunteers. We make every effort to explore and address the needs of all youth on a case-by-case basis.  If the agency feels that it would be unable to meet the young person’s needs, then appropriate referrals will be explored.

Enrollment Process

Getting to know you and the child you are enrolling is key to making lasting, positive mentor/mentee matches. Our enrollment process is designed to help us understand the strengths and challenges facing the youth and whether our program is a good fit for their goals. To enroll, you will work with an Enrollment & Matching Specialist on the following steps:

  1. Completing an application, consent forms & RPI survey (electronically online or mailed to your home).
  2. Self-guided review of our program orientation materials
  3. Family Interview: A 1.5-hour appointment for our staff to get to know you and the child you would like to enroll.
  4. Final determination: BBBS staff review all of the enrollment information and determine if the child can be accepted to be matched with a mentor. BBBS communicates all final determinations to families.

Main Office

6443 Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy
Suite 200
Portland, OR 97221


503-249-4895


[email protected]

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