Program:
Jewish BIGPals matches children 2nd grade through high school from Jewish single parent or non-traditional families with a Jewish mentor from the community. Jewish BIGPals support the children they are matched with in facing life transitions and helping them develop positive self-images, new behaviors, coping skills, and a strengthened Jewish identity. Volunteers and Little Pal families make a one-year commitment and meet twice per month.
Goal of Position:
To provide companionship, friendship, and life-enriching experiences to children from single-parent and non-traditional homes and to help them achieve their full potential through a 1:1 mentoring relationship.
Benefits:
- Serving as a positive role-model in the life of someone who needs it the most
- Helping to enrich the lives of children or teens from single-parent or non-traditional homes
- Personal satisfaction in performing the act of Tikkun Olam - helping to repair the world
Tasks/responsibilities:
- Meet with a child or teen in a 1:1 setting at least two times per month
- Participate in fun and engaging esteem-building activities with child or teen
- Maintain open communication with Program Coordinator
- Provide regular updates regarding activities with Little Pal through monthly Survey Monkey
Qualifications:
- Must identify Jewish and reside in San Diego County
- Must show stability in personal life, relationships, and work history
- Must be reliable, responsible, flexible, patient, and non-judgmental
- Must enjoy interacting and spending time with children 2nd grade through high school
Requirements:
- Must be able to provide own transportation
- Participate in a screening interview
- Must have Current California Driver's License and Valid Proof of Auto Insurance
- Must be at least 25 years of age and under 80 years of age (over 80 years must obtain doctors note) in order to be able to drive on behalf of JFS
- Complete volunteer application at jfssd.org/volapp
- Attend an in-person interview
- Attend Big Pal Training prior to being matched
- Participate in supervision meeting with Big Pal, Little Pal, Parent, & Program Coordinator
- Have and maintain a clean criminal history and driving record
Time Commitment:
- One year*
- Two outings per month recommended
- Scheduling is flexible
*The commitment is one year but many of our matches have lasted for several years (up to 11 years).
Worksite/Department:
There is no specified worksite for this opportunity. Big Pals are with their little pals all throughout San Diego County.
Immediate Supervisor: Jewish BIG Pals Program Coordinator
For more information on our safety protocols, please visit our JFS Safety page here.
