PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY
Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring
ABOUT:
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring program matches a child 8-15 years of age with a caring adult over the age of 18. Through regular outings, a Developmental Relationship is formed between the Mentor and the Mentee, which is built on trust and common interests and is supported by our experienced staff. With the support of their volunteer Mentors, children can increase their self-confidence, enhance social skills, and engage in new experiences within their community. Unique opportunities to mentor a child as a couple are available in our Couples for Kids program, or as a female-identified volunteer matched with a male-identified Mentee through our Big 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.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Have at least a G2 Driver’s License with vehicle insurance
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person
GROUP MENTORING
ABOUT:
The Group Mentoring program is a structured group environment where volunteer Mentors support children and youth in a 1:2 ratio through fun skill-based activities. Group Mentoring Mentees participate in sports, social outings, community tours, interactive learning, and more! With the support of their Mentors, Mentees will develop their social and leadership skills, increase their confidence, and improve their communication skills.
TIME:
The Group Mentoring program runs bi-weekly from September to June.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Group Mentoring program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Have at least a G2 Driver’s License with vehicle insurance
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have weeknight evening availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people
BIGS ON CAMPUS
ABOUT:
In Partnership with the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and Sheridan College, Bigs On Campus empowers youth to develop social, academic, and leadership skills in a structured group environment. Mentors in this program are UTM and Sheridan students. They are matched with youth (8-13) and together, groups of matches meet weekly and participate in fun skill-based activities, including sports, social outings, community tours, interactive learning and more. Mentors encourage their Mentees to explore post-secondary education, increase their confidence, and learn in a supportive group environment.
TIME:
The Bigs On Campus program runs bi-weekly from September to December and January to April.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Bigs On Campus program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary program at either UTM or Sheridan College
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
- Have weeknight evening availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people
BIG POSSIBILITIES
ABOUT:
Big Possibilities is a mentoring program designed to engage youth aged 14+ across 4 main pillars: Education, Employment, Culture, and Community. Virtual mentoring sessions and workshops help prepare youth for their future. While in-person micro-mentoring events connect youth to new networks and expand possibilities. Through this program, Mentees will increase their post-secondary readiness, develop employability skills, learn strategies to support their mental wellness, and more!
TIME:
The virtual component takes place via Zoom. Workshops and seminar dates are sent to all registrants. Mentees may choose to attend any sessions that are relevant and interesting to them.
The in-person component takes place in various locations across Peel and York Regions and throughout the GTA.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Big Possibilities program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have weeknight evening availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people
- Have a demonstrated passion for lifelong learning
PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS
IN-SCHOOL MENTORING
ABOUT:
Offered in partnership with local school boards, the In-School Mentoring program matches elementary students with a uniquely suited role model to talk to and share common interests with. In this one-to-one program, the Mentor and Mentee spend quality time together on school property. Through regular meetings, a Developmental Relationship is formed. With the support of their Mentor, Mentees demonstrate improved self-confidence, social skills, and school engagement.
TIME:
In-School Mentoring matches meet for one hour a week during school hours for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the In-School Mentoring program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have day-time availability
- Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person
IN-SCHOOL MENTORING+
ABOUT:
In-School Mentoring+ is a one-to-one program that enables elementary students to build a Developmental Relationship with a caring adult Mentor while receiving educational support. Match meetings take place at school for one hour each week. The added and unique bonus with this new adaptation of the In-School Mentoring program is that Mentors are university students studying in the Faculty of Education and can therefore provide individualized academic support for their Mentees. These matches typically begin in the fall and continue until April.
TIME:
In-School Mentoring+ matches meet for one hour a week during school hours from October to April. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays. This program requires a minimum time commitment of one term.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the In-School Mentoring+ program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary Faculty of Education program
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
- Have day-time availability
- Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person
TEEN MENTORING
ABOUT:
Similar to the In-School Mentoring program, Teen Mentoring matches elementary students with caring secondary school Mentors, aged 16+. Matches meet one hour each week in a supervised group setting at the Mentee’s school. The Mentor and Mentee spend quality time together resulting in a Developmental Relationship that supports the Mentee’s social skill development, school engagement, and improves their self-confidence.
TIME:
Teen Mentoring matches meet for one hour a week during the school day or after school. The program runs from September to June. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays. This program requires a minimum time commitment of one term.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Teen Mentoring program must:
- Be at least 14 years old
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
- Have daytime availability
- Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a younger person
GO GIRLS! HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS
ABOUT:
Go Girls! is a group mentoring program designed to connect and empower female-identifying youth in grades 6-8. Facilitated by trained Mentors, Mentees are provided with the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive discussions and activities. The program promotes physical activity, balanced eating, self-confidence, and stress management. It is delivered once a week during the school day for 7 consecutive weeks.
*This program is open to all female-identifying individuals. This includes trans, cis-gender, non-binary, two-spirit or anyone else who feels they belong. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Director of Service Delivery & Partnerships, Katie Lowes.
TIME:
Go Girls! runs once a week for 7 weeks within school facilities. Each session is between 1–2 hours long.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Go Girls! program must:
- Be between 18-30 years old
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have day-time availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people
GAME ON! EAT SMART, PLAY SMART, LIVE SMART
ABOUT:
Game On! is a group mentoring program for male-identifying youth in grades 6-8. Facilitated by trained Mentors, Mentees are provided with the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive discussions and activities. The program promotes physical activity, positive nutrition, stress management, and interpersonal relationship skills. It is delivered once a week during the school day for 7 consecutive weeks.
*This program is open to all male-identifying individuals. This includes trans, cis-gender, non-binary, two-spirit or anyone else who feels they belong. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Director of Service Delivery & Partnerships, Katie Lowes.
TIME:
Game On! runs once a week for 7 weeks within school facilities. Each session is between 1–2 hours long.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Game On! program must:
- Be between 18-30 years old
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have day-time availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people
WELLNESS WARRIORS
ABOUT:
Wellness Warriors is a gender-inclusive group mentoring program for children and youth in grades 3-8. Facilitated by trained Mentors, Mentees are provided with the opportunity to engage in fun and interactive discussions and activities. The program promotes mental, physical, and social wellness. It is delivered once a week during the school day for 7 consecutive weeks.
TIME:
Wellness Warriors runs once a week for 7 weeks within school facilities. Each session is between 1–2 hours long.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Wellness Warriors program must:
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have day-time availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people
PROGRAMS FOR NEWCOMER CHILDREN & YOUTH
CONVERSATION CLUB
ABOUT:
Conversation Club is a group mentoring program for newcomer youth ages 12-18. Mentees and Mentors meet weekly during school or after school hours to build language, social, leadership skills. Mentors support peer-to-peer interaction and relationship building among Mentees from different backgrounds. Together, Mentees participate in workshops, field trips, and activities that help them learn more about Canada and their community. This program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
TIME:
The Conversation Club program runs weekly from September to June.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Conversation Club program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have lived in Canada for at least 5 years
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have day-time availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people new to Canada
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
ABOUT:
Newcomer Art is a group mentoring program for newcomer children in grades 2-5. The program provides opportunities for self-expression, English language skill development, and supportive interactions with Mentors. Mentees and Mentors meet weekly on school property to participate in creative art, drama, and music activities.
TIME:
The Newcomer Art program runs weekly from September to June.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Newcomer Art program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have lived in Canada for at least 3 years
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have day-time availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with children new to Canada
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
PROGRAMS FOR BLACK YOUTH
In partnership with Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC)
BCAC BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS MENTORING
ABOUT:
In partnership with the Black Community Advisory Council (BCAC) of the United Way of Greater Toronto, BCAC Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring provides youth (8-15 years old) from the Black community with a caring Black adult Mentor to promote strong cultural and self-identity. Through regular outings, a Developmental Relationship is formed between the Mentor and Mentee which is built on trust and common interests and is supported by our experienced staff. Through these relationships Mentees can increase their self-confidence and leadership skills, become engaged in their community through cultural activities, and are provided with encouragement, support, and strategies when faced with barriers, discrimination, or challenges.
TIME:
The BCAC 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.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Identify with the Black community
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Have at least a G2 Driver’s License with vehicle insurance
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person that empowers cultural connection
BCAC TEEN MENTORING
ABOUT:
BCAC Teen Mentoring matches elementary students from the Black community with caring secondary school Mentors from the Black community, aged 16+. Matches meet one hour each week in a supervised group setting at the Mentee’s school. The Mentor and Mentee spend quality time together resulting in a Developmental Relationship that supports the Mentee’s social skill development, school engagement, and improves their self-confidence. Cultural activities are facilitated that create a sense of community and belonging.
TIME:
BCAC Teen Mentoring matches meet for one hour a week during the school day or after school. The program runs from September to June. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays. This program requires a minimum time commitment of one term.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the BCAC Teen Mentoring program must:
- Be at least 14 years old
- Identify with the Black community
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
- Have daytime availability
- Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a younger person that empowers cultural connection
BCAC IN-SCHOOL MENTORING
ABOUT:
The BCAC In-School Mentoring program matches elementary students from the Black community with caring adult Mentors from the Black community. In this one-to-one program, the Mentor and Mentee spend quality time together on school property doing fun and culturally reflective activities. Through regular meetings, a Developmental Relationship is formed. With the support of their Mentor, Mentees demonstrate improved self-confidence, social skills, and school engagement.
TIME:
BCAC In-School Mentoring matches meet for one hour a week during school hours for the duration of the school year. Matches do not meet over the summer break or during other school holidays.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the BCAC In-School Mentoring program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Identify with the Black community
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one year
- Have day-time availability
- Be committed to creating an inclusive and meaningful relationship with a young person that empowers cultural connection
BLACK YOUTH MENTORING
ABOUT:
In Partnership with the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and Sheridan College, Black Youth Mentoring empowers youth to develop strong cultural connections while building social, academic, and leadership skills in a structured group environment. Mentors are UTM and Sheridan students from the Black community. They are matched with youth (9-13) from the Black community and together, groups of matches meet weekly and participate in fun skill-based activities, including sports, social outings, community tours, interactive learning and more. Mentors encourage their Mentees to explore post-secondary education, increase their confidence, and learn in a supportive group environment, while embracing their shared and unique identities
TIME:
The Black Youth Mentoring program runs one night a week from September to April.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:
Mentors in the Black Youth Mentoring program must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Identify with the Black community
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary program at either UTM or Sheridan College
- Provide a recent and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check
- Commit to program involvement for a minimum of one term
- Have weeknight evening availability
- Be committed to creating inclusive and meaningful relationships with young people that empower cultural connection