FAQs
General information:
What is the contact information for the agency?
Big Brothers & Sisters of Portage County
705 Oakwood St., Suite 103
Ravenna, OH 44266
330.296.6655 T
330.296.6766 F
info@bbsportage.org
The process of being matched:
How will I be matched with a child?
We will get to know you through an enrollment and interview process: your likes, dislikes, your personality, background, where you live and work. This helps us to figure out what situations and what child would be the best match for you. The final decision of which child you will be matched with is yours.
How do children come into the program?
Families hear about Big Brothers & Sisters from other families in the program, from other agencies, teachers, the media, etc. All children and parents involved with our program choose to be here.
Who are the children in the program?
The boys and girls in our program come from many types of home environments and family structures, different social-economic levels, ethnic background and neighborhoods. We serve children all over Portage County.
What it's like to be a Big:
Who are the Bigs in the program?
Our volunteers are regular people from all types of different backgrounds, education levels, income levels; minimum age is 18 and there is no upper age limit. There are people interested in sports, computers, crafts, cooking, woodworking, hiking, gardening, board games, animals, etc. etc. etc.
When can I see my Little?
Bigs and Littles get together around their schedules. We ask the Bigs to see their Littles 12 hours/month, with at least three visits.
Who pays for the activities?
As a volunteer, you will pay for the activities you do with your Little. However, we encourage free activities whenever possible. We have lots of ideas for things you can do.
What are some ideas for activities to do with my Little?
Bake cookies, change the oil in your car, play a board game, go to an activity at the library, hike the local parks, go fishing, go to a high school football game, shoot hoops, jigsaw puzzles, crafts, explore a new hobby together, work in the garden. The list can go on forever!
Can I bring other people along on our outings?
In the beginning it is important for you and your Little to get to know each other. This can happen best on a one-to-one basis. Over time it is also valuable for your Little to get to know the people who are important to you. Just remember that your Little is the main focus of the relationship and there needs to be time each meeting for just the two of you.
What kind of support can I expect from Big Brothers & Sisters once I get matched?
After being matched, each volunteer, parent and child in the program is contacted by a match support specialist once a month to make sure the match is going well and everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing. The once a month contact is the minimum requirement. You can feel free to call as often as you like - with questions, concerns or if you need ideas for activities. We are here for you!
Bowl for Kids' Sake a Success!
The annual Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraiser was held on March 6th at AMF Twin Star Lanes. With sponsorships and donations raised by bowlers, over $8400 was raised for our one-to-one mentoring program!
140 bowlers participated and received free bowling and shoes, free pizza from Guy's Pizza in Kent, free pop from Giant Eagle in Ravenna, a commemorative t-shirt and a chance to win door prizes. Bob Severns of www.ProPartyDJ.com provided entertainment.
Six people raised at least $100 and received a $10 itunes card. This included T.J. Scarl from Crestwood High School, Nick Staargaard from Aurora High School, John Mac Aleese (of Mogadore), Big Sister Maureen Sweeney (of Kent) and John Barnes and Terri Clough, both from Family & Community Services.
Three local school districts competed in the school challenge. Aurora won the challenge again when teams from the high school brought in $1485. Other schools participating in the challenge were Crestwood High School and Crestwood Middle School and Rootstown Middle School.
Additional teams represented Bohecker College, Buckeye Community Health and The Water Street Tavern in Kent.
Many of our Little Brothers and Little Sisters were able to bowl for free due to the generosity of sponsors. Their Bigs then raised at least $40 each and joined in the fun.
Terri Clough and John Barnes, both from Family & Community Services, had a competition to see who could raise the most money. Terri was victorious!
All money raised through this event is used in our local one-to-one mentoring program. If you would like to donate to Big Brothers & Sisters, please call 330.296.6655 or click "Donate" at the top of this page.
Paul Huchok is voted Advisory Board Member of the Year in 2009
Paul Huchok was chosen by his fellow Board Members to receive the Dan Poling Board Member of the Year award for 2009.
Paul joined the Board in 1994. In 1996 he was elected Treasurer and has served in that office since, except in 1998 and 1999 when he was elected President. In addition to serving on the Board, Paul has volunteered to transport unmatched children to events, work at informational tables for volunteer recruitment and has participated with both time and money in each fundraising event held by the program. When BB&S merged with Family & Community Services in July 2008, Paul was asked to be our liason to the F&CS board.
Everyone at BB&S appreciates everything Paul has done and continues to do for the program and the chidlren we serve.