Railway Mentoring Program
Do you live or work in the Altoona area?
We’re seeking volunteer ‘Bigs’ to mentor Littles in our school-based program! (Learn about SB mentoring here). We’ve partnered with the Altoona School District to identify children in need of an extra adult friend. You may have seen our posters around town or met some of our team at events around town. Or maybe you heard about us through your employer? However you came to us, we need your help to defend the potential of children in Altoona!
With just one meaningful contact each week, you can make a connection with a child in the community and help ignite their potential! Volunteering is easy and makes a BIG impact. Learn more about becoming a Big and apply today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How are Bigs selected?
Bigs are recruited from a number of sources. Big Brothers Big Sisters works with local businesses, service groups, colleges, or the general public at events to identify a diverse group of volunteers. We want to make a match that is based on mutual interests or complementary traits in order to create the strongest bond possible.
How are Bigs and Littles Matched?
Bigs and Littles are matched based on complementary attitudes and similar interests. Our process starts with an application to gather preliminary information and then an interview to help us assess all parties’ hopes for the program. We find that the more our Bigs and Littles have in common from the get-go the better their match will go. We’ll explain why we’ve selected your match prior to meeting so you’ll have a chance to decide if it feels like a good fit to you.
How long will my child be Matched with a Big?
We ask for a commitment of at least one year but matches can participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs until the Little has graduated from High School.
What types of activities will the Big do with my child?
Our team stresses mutually agreed-upon decision-making when it comes to match activities. That may be a game or a walk or simply talking. Think of things you’d expect friends to do and that’s what we expect from our matches.
Is there any cost to participating?
There is no cost to participate in our programs.
What happens in the summer?
Our school-based programs only meet during times that school is in session. When it comes to the Summer, your match will not meet - though we encourage matches to find an alternate way of communicating during break time. Maybe a postcard or a text message or just a short note to tell each other what’s happening.
What do you do with the information on the application?
The information provided on our application is used to make safe matches, assess community needs, and determine match compatibility. No private information is ever shared, however, some demographic information is occasionally anonymized to allow our organization to assess and share demographic trends.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
We have a great team of professionals that you’ll work with. Initially, our CR team will guide you through the process and work with you. When you call 715-835-0161 you’ll likely get our office manager, Cherity Germain. But once you’re matched we assign a dedicated Match Support Specialist to work with your match and ensure it progresses in a positive way.
How long will it take for my child to be matched with their Big?
Great question! Because of the personalized nature of our process, it can vary. We endeavor to match children as quickly as possible but factors such as volunteer compatibility or availability can cause delays.
Who should I talk with at my child’s school?
Amy Bauman at Altoona Elementary abauman@altoona.k12 .wi.us
715.839.6050
Brooke Kaldor at Altoona Intermediate bkaldor@altoona.k12.wi.us
715.838.7111
Heather Burich Holle at Altoona Middle hholle@altoona.k12.wi.us
715.839.6030
Jay Mielke at Altoona High jmielke@altoona.k12.wi.us
715.839.6031