The Alberta Mentoring Partnership

Program Description

Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton (BGCBigs) is an organization committed to the healthy development of children, youth, and their families. Our programming and services give children and youth access to safe places, positive relationships (e.g., adult-child relationships, peer relationships), and opportunities to identify and develop their personal strengths and interpersonal skill, to enhance their long-term success in life.

Mentoring is the foundational program for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Mentoring is defined as the relationship between a caring more experienced or wiser volunteer (e.g. adult or older teen) and a child or younger youth. Through participation in educational, recreation and social activities with the volunteer mentor, a mentoring relationship provides a child with academic support, friendship, guidance, and a constructive role model.

BGCBigs neighborhood club programs offer site-based, out of school time program options in fifteen neighborhood club sites and schools. Neighborhood clubs offer safe spaces for children and youth to be out of school, have positive youth development activities, and academic enrichment. Research has shown that our children and youth living in poverty are exposed to difficult social environments and have access to fewer resources to help them build healthy and productive lives. Children and youth attend our neighbourhood club programs at no cost and have opportunities to experience quality programs and build relationships with peers and adults.