Frequently Asked Questions OUR FUNDING? A portion of our funding comes from the Idaho Falls United Way and United Way of Southeastern Idaho located in Pocatello. The rest of our revenue comes from individual contributions, grants, corporate contributions and agency-sponsored special events such as BOWL FOR KIDS' SAKE (BFKS)and the "Diamonds in the Rough" golf tournament. BFKS is our largest fund raiser and is held in early March each year. Team registration forms are available in mid-January in Idaho Falls and Pocatello. This is the biggest bowling party in Southeast Idaho, and we provide free t-shirts, Pepsi products, pizza and lots of prizes. Families, clubs/organizations, businesses, church groups...anyone and everyone can BOWL FOR KIDS' SAKE. Our golf tournament is a 4-person scramble with a "wacky" touch! We serve a terrific BBQ breakfast or lunch to all participants and also sell raffle tickets for cool prizes.
Our Volunteers are married or single, have children or haven't started their families yet. Some even have grandchildren! They're all high school graduates, college graduates or are attending college. They're African American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic...well, you get the picture. Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Big Couples come from all walks of life and are laborers, administrative assistants, lawyers, teachers, full-time homemakers, and small business owners. The one thing our volunteers have in common is a strong commitment to giving back to their community and making a difference in the life of a child. It's as simple as that! IS OUR PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL? Yes, our program works! Children matched with Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers are:
HESITATING ABOUT VOLUNTEERING? Here are the top 5 reasons people hesitate: 1. I work long hours and simply can't make a commitment to spend several hours a week with a little brother/sister. Response: We understand that everyone is busy so we simply ask that our volunteers spend consistent time with their littles. Of course, weekly contact is best - but contact twice monthly with some phone calls in between is OK, too. The time commitment depends on whatever works best for the volunteer and child. 2. I'm not a counselor; I don't have any special skills. Response: No special skills are needed to be a Big Brother Big Sister or Big Couple. We provide any training needed. Remember that this will be the most rewarding experience you will ever have. 3. I don't have the money to take a child on expensive outings. Response: Our volunteers are encouraged to include their littles in whatever they do in their spare time, and we can even help by coming up with inexpensive ideas for outings. Our volunteers are not 'Santa Claus' and we discourage them from spending a great deal of money on activities. We also ask that parents help cover the cost for their child. 4. I've never worked with a child that has problems. Response: We are a prevention program and do not accept children with severe behavior problems. 5. I don't want to replace a child's parent. Response: We would never allow that to happen--we're not in the business of finding replacement parents. Our Big Brothers and Big Sisters are friends, mentors, and companions. Our most important goal is to help kids become confident, competent and caring adults |