The Big Buddy Program is a non-profit youth organization that is committed to providing positive role models in the lives of the youth we serve. We believe that it is important for every child to have a positive role model leading him or her to make good choices resulting in a healthy, rewarding life.

Our Vision: That every child has a positive role model leading him/her to make good choices resulting in a healthy rewarding life.

Our Mission: To provide access to positive role models and learning experiences to children who lack these resources.

NEW EVENT - MENTORING CHILDREN OF PRISONER'S CURRICULUM AUG 31 - SEPT 1

Training of Trainers: Mentoring Children of Prisoners Curriculum- August 31 and September 1, 2010. This is a wonderful opportunity for programs to spend two days with Ann Adalist-Estrin (everyone loves her energetic sessions at the national conference) and be trained on the MCP Mentor Training Curriculum. Participants will leave the TA Clinic with the tools to train mentors on the cultural/social/diversity issues relevant to children of incarcerated parents. Ann will provide two (2) full days of training for staff on the curriculum and the participants will leave with a copy of the training curriculum in hand.

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Big Buddy on My 16 TV

Check out our newest addition to the staff, Will Minton, on WBXH My News at 9 talking about the Big Buddy Program.

Congratulations to our Certified Youth Development Professionals!

After completing Beginning (11 hours) and Intermediate (9 hours) level coursework and at least 400 hours of practicum experience, staff are eligible to take a certification exam and to gain certification. In June 2010, Big Buddy Program is graduating its first class of 30 certified Youth Development Professionals. In Fall 2010, we plan to offer these staff the 30-hour Advancing Youth Development training created by the National Training Institute for Community Youth Work.

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