"It's a way for us to help girls who just need a little bit more support in life to have a positive interaction and be cared for, to know they're special, and to know they have a group of loving women who are paying attention to their needs."

Marcie Marcovitz, Current JBS president.

Frequently Asked Questions About Being a Big Sister

What does a Big Sister do?

Interaction with Little Sisters: Big Sisters have the opportunity to interact with Little Sisters at group activities. If matched one-to-one with a Little Sister, they get together outside of the group events.

Meetings: Big Sisters attend monthly business meetings (on the second Thursday evening of each month) and receive updates from the Committee Chairs and the Director of Social Services. Big Sisters check in with each other and discuss issues concerning the Little Sisters at quarterly support group sessions. In addition, matched Big Sisters must check in monthly via email or phone with the Director of Social Services.

Other than the monthly meetings, what kind of time commitment is necessary?

The amount of time you spend on JBS-related activities is up to you. All Big Sisters are expected to attend as many meetings and recreational activities (recs) as possible during the year.

Getting Involved

Being Matched

How is JBS organized/directed?

Officers: The Officers of JBS consist of President, First Vice President/Secretary, Second Vice President, Treasurer and Immediate Past President. All Officers except for the Immediate Past President are elected for a two-year term. The Executive Committee consists of the Officers of JBS.

Board of Directors: The Board consists of all Officers, all Standing Committee Chairpersons and may include two active Members-at-Large who are appointed by the President. The President appoints the Standing Committee Chairpersons. These committees include Communications, Financial, Fund-Raising, Insurance, Membership, Recording Secretary, Recreation and Transportation.

What are the JBS confidentiality guidelines, and why are they important?

Confidentiality is paramount to JBS and is constantly stressed to all Big Sister volunteers. As a social service organization, confidentiality with regard to the girls and their families is crucial. The group does not identify itself as such when attending a public recreational activity.

Is JBS a religious organization?

Not really. To be eligible to join, Little and Big Sisters must identify themselves as Jewish. The group's primary focus is on sharing different experiences and Jewish backgrounds. No standards of religious belief are imposed. JBS does not keep kosher. We welcome Little and Big Sisters from all branches of Judaism.

Both Little and Big Sisters often have the chance to enjoy incorporating Jewish rituals, traditions and holidays into our group activities. The annual Chanukah party and Passover Seder are popular events. Other group recreational activities have focused on Purim and Sukkoth.

Although recreational activities are scheduled so as not to interfere with Jewish holidays, some occur on Saturdays.

What's involved with the application process for joining JBS?

Introduction
If you're interested in joining JBS, you'll be invited to an Introduction where you'll learn more about the organization and can complete the application form, sign a consent form for a background check (for security reasons), and submit personal and professional references.

Orientation
Once all the necessary information has been received and approved, you'll be invited to an Orientation session to train and welcome you to Jewish Big Sisters!

I've always wanted to be a parent/adoptive parent/foster parent. Is JBS for me?

While JBS encourages Big Sisters to be friends, mentors and role models for the Little Sisters, we are not an adoption agency or foster placement agency. JBS is intended as a supplement to family life, not a substitute for it. We stress that Big Sisters cannot be a "child saver," probation officer or parent to the Little Sisters — just be a friend.

The group sounds wonderful, but I'm a bit nervous about my lack of experience with young people. Will I be able to find support if I have any concerns?

Absolutely! One of the primary responsibilities of our Director of Social Services is to give support and help with Little Sister-related issues or other concerns you may have. Support group sessions give Big Sisters a chance to check in with each other and discuss issues concerning the Little Sisters. And remember: other Big Sisters are also there for you. You're certainly not alone!

Are all Big Sisters matched with a Little Sister?

No. It is not essential every Big or Little Sister be matched, unless she is interested. Big Sisters are required to have at least six months' active membership with JBS before a match would be considered. This waiting period gives the Big Sister a chance to get acquainted and feel comfortable with the girls and the organization. The monthly activities give all Big Sisters an opportunity to interact with and support all the Little Sisters.

How do matches take place?

Big Sisters and Little Sisters are free to express their interest in matching by talking with the Director of Social Services, who makes all match determinations. The Director will then consider the appropriateness of the match and will separately discuss it with the Little Sister and Big Sister.

Am I really qualified to be a Big Sister?

Our Big Sisters have diverse backgrounds: from moms and single women to business professionals, educators, social workers, communicators and much more. We offer opportunities to capitalize on your interests.

We're about mentoring, so bring your outside interests to our group. After you've completed the orientation and application process, you'll find out how fulfilling and rewarding being a Big Sister really is!