PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring

ABOUT:

The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program matches a child 6 – 17 years of age (Little Sister/Little Brother) with a caring adult (Big Sister/Big Brother) over the age of 18.  Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee. Unique opportunities to mentor a child together as a couple or as a female volunteer matched with a young boy are also available in our Couples for Kids Program and Big & Little Buddy Program.

TIME:

The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program requires at least two regularly scheduled outings a month of a few hours each and a minimum of a one year commitment.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors must be at least 18 years old, require a clean police record check and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.

GROUP MENTORING

ABOUT:

Five volunteers mentor ten children or youth in a structured group environment one weeknight per bi-week, on the same night, September to June in the local community. Each Group has the same mentors and children throughout the year. Groups participate in fun and skill-based activities. Activities include sports, social outings, community tours, interactive learning and more. Access to a vehicle is required.

Bigs on Campus – A partnership with UTM and with Sheridan, Brampton Campus

TIME:

This program requires a minimum time commitment of one year. The program runs from September to June.
Tuesday,Wednesday, OR Thursday from 7:00–8:30PM

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors must be at least 18 years old, require a clean police record check and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.

PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS

IN-SCHOOL MENTORING

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ABOUT:

Offered in partnership with our local school bards, the In-School Mentoring program matches elementary students with a caring adult mentor. Matches meet during school hours and on school property to share in fun activities like arts and crafts, board games, sports and baking. Children are selected and referred by certain local elementary schools.

Between Generations: A unique school-based mentoring opportunity in the above program for volunteers 55+

TIME:

The In-School mentoring program requires a weekly visit of one hour during school hours for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays. This program requires a minimum time commitment of one year.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors must be at least 18 years old, require a clean police record check and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.

TEEN MENTORING

ABOUT:

This program in collaboration with Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board matches caring high school student mentors (ages 16+) with elementary school students from a nearby school. The mentors and students meet in a supervised group setting for one hour each week during school hours at a participating elementary school throughout the school year.

TIME:

This program requires a minimum time commitment of one year. The program runs from September to June.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors must be in Grades 10 – 12 at a participating secondary school and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.

GO GIRLS! HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS!

ABOUT:

A school-based mentoring program for female-identifying students in grades 6-8. The program curriculum promotes active living, healthy eating and positive self-esteem. Female-identifying mentors between the ages of 18 – 25 years are trained to lead the fun and interactive sessions over 7 weeks.

TIME:

The Go Girls! Program consists of seven mentoring sessions, held over a 7 week period, within school facilities. Each session is between 1–2 hours long.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors be 18 – 25 years of age, require a clean police record check and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.

GAME ON! EAT SMART, PLAY SMART!

ABOUT:

A school based mentoring program for male-identifying students in grades 6-8. This program provides participants with information and support to make informed choices about healthy living through physical activities, healthy eating and facilitated discussion. Male-identifying mentors are trained to lead the interactive sessions over 7 weeks.

TIME:

The Game On! Program consists of seven mentoring sessions, held over a 7 week period, within school facilities. Each session is between 1-2 hours long.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors must be 18 – 30 years of age, require a clean police record check and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.

PROGRAMS FOR NEWCOMER CHILDREN & YOUTH

CONVERSATION CLUB

ABOUT:

A supervised group mentoring program for newcomer youth ages 12 – 18. Youth and mentors meet for weekly sessions after school to build language, social, leadership and presentation skills. Youth meet peers from different backgrounds, participate in workshops, field trips and activities and learn more about Canada and community. This program is offered in partnership with the Centre for Education and Training, Malton Neighbourhood Services, the Meadowvale Library, Brampton Multicultural Community Centre and local schools and is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

TIME:

This program requires a minimum time commitment of one year. The program runs from September to June.

REQUIREMENTS:

Mentors are young adults 20 – 30 years of age who have lived in Canada for at least 5 years. Volunteers require a clean police check and are interested in mentoring newcomer youth.

FRANCOPHONE SERVICES:

Pour des services d’établissement en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter:
English Translation: If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services, please contact:

Peel Region: Connecture Canada

York Region: Association des francophones de la région de York

NEWCOMER ART PROGRAM

ABOUT:

A mentoring program for newcomer children, including Syrian newcomers, in grades 2-5 at elementary schools in Mississauga. The program provides opportunities for self-expression, English language skill development and supportive interactions with mentors. Children and mentors meet weekly in the school within a supportive group setting to share creative art, drama and music activities.

TIME:

This program requires a minimum time commitment of one year. The program runs from September to June.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors must be at least 18 years old, be living in Canada for at least 3 years, require a clean police record check and should have an interest or passion in working with children from diverse cultures.

FRANCOPHONE SERVICES:

Pour des services d’établissement en français et/ou la formation linguistique en français, veuillez contacter:
English Translation: If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services, please contact:

Peel Region: Connecture Canada

York Region: Association des francophones de la région de York

GO GIRLS! NEWCOMER PROGRAM

ABOUT:

A school-based mentoring program for girls in grades 7 – 8 that have recently arrived as a refugee or newcomer. The program is run from an anti-oppressive lens to promote active living, healthy eating and confidence building. Female mentors between the ages of 18 – 28 years are trained to lead fun and interactive sessions over 8 weeks.

TIME:

The Go Girls! Newcomer Program consists of eight mentoring sessions, held over an 8 week period, within school facilities. Each session is 1.5 -2 hours long.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors must identify as female, be between 18 – 28 years of age, require a police record check and should have an interest or passion for working with youth from diverse backgrounds, and promoting physical and mental well-being.

MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR BLACK YOUTH

BCAC MENTORING

ABOUT:

In partnership with the Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC) of the United Way of Greater Toronto, the BCAC Mentoring Programs provide youth in the black community with opportunities to develop:

  • a strong cultural identity
  • a sense of community & belonging
  • leadership skills and become engaged in their community

The youth will benefit from mentoring relationships with Black mentors who share lived experience, can promote a strong cultural identity and provide encouragement, support and strategies when barriers, discrimination or challenges impact their mentees.

This community-based mentoring program matches Black youth with a Black adult mentor to promote strong cultural and self-identity. Matches are encouraged to regularly plan fun and low in cost outings for 1 year including participation in various cultural activities to help youth feel rooted in their community.

TIME:

This program requires a minimum of a one year commitment, with at least two regularly scheduled outings a month of a few hours each.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors will identify with the black community, must be at least 18 years old, require a clean police record check and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.

BCAC TEEN MENTORING

ABOUT:

A school-based ethno-specific mentoring program where Black secondary school students mentor Black elementary/middle school aged students for one hour/week during the lunch hour. Participants share their time learning and doing fun, culturally-specific activities together, that creates a sense of community and belonging in their school community.

TIME:

This program requires a minimum time commitment of one school-year, running from September to June.

REQUIREMENTS:

Youth mentors must be in Grades 10 – 12 at a participating secondary school, including Fletcher’s Meadow SS, Chinguacousy SS, Glenforest SS, Lincoln Alexander SS. Mentors will identify with the Black community and should have an interest or passion for working with children.

BCAC IN-SCHOOL MENTORING

ABOUT:

This school-based mentoring program matches Black adult (18+) mentors in one-to-one mentoring relationships with Black elementary school aged students to engage in fun and culturally-specific activities together. Children are selected and referred by local elementary schools.

TIME:

The BCAC In-School Mentoring program requires a weekly meeting of one hour during school hours, for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays. This program requires a minimum time commitment of one school year.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors will identify with the Black community, must be at least 18 years old, require a clean police record check, have daytime availability, and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.

BLACK YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO MISSISSAUGA (UTM)

ABOUT:

The Black Youth Mentoring Program (BYMP) matches Black youth (ages 9-13) with a Black adult UTM student (18+) who has shared lived experience to help promote strong cultural and self-identity. Matches will build meaningful friendships, participate in fun group activities on the university campus, and develop a sense of community and belonging.

TIME:

This program requires a minimum time commitment of one school year, and runs from September to April. Program is held on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30PM at the UTM Campus.

REQUIREMENTS:

All mentors will identify with the Black community, must be at least 18 years old and attending UTM, require a clean police record check, and should have an interest or passion for children and youth.