Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs provides children and youth with a role model to talk to and share the experiences of growing up with. Through regular outings, a relationship is developed between the mentor and the mentee, which is built on trust and common interests, and is supported by our experienced case-workers. The result is a life-changing experience for both the mentor and the mentee.

• In home visiting
• Telephone conservation

Seven week program within the North Simcoe Community for youth ages 11-14.

Program is led by Male Mentors and focuses on core themes including:

• Body image
• Self-esteem
• Balanced eating/activities
• Physical activity
• Building healthy relationships

Volunteers can run multiple groups throughout the year.

Teen Mentors commit to spending consistent weekly time with a child (mentee) being a friend, role model, and confident. Teen mentors meet one-to-one with an assigned mentee and participate in games, activities, crafts, conversation, and goal setting. Teen mentors listen to their mentees, provide support and guidance, help them to build communication and social skills, and develop a friendship based on trust, respect and fun. This is a partnership with BGC North Simcoe.

• Attending activities, programs, and/or events with residents
• One-on-one visits with residents; spending time chatting, playing card games, doing puzzles, crafts
• Accompanying them on walks either within the building or outdoors (weather permitting)
• Miscellaneous duties as needed

Volunteers are matched to clients who are living with a life-limiting illness. They support and comfort their client and the client's circle of support. Be it family or friends.  The goal is to be flexible and assist someone on this journey with whatever they might require. It could be physical, but usually, it is emotional support and advocacy. Once the match has been made, the client and the volunteer set a time schedule that is good for both. Visiting volunteers provide support to our clients in the comfort of the clients home, where ever that may be; their house, long-term care facility, hospital or the vulnerably housed.

Big Brothers commit to a one-on-one relationship for a minimum period of one-year, 2-4 hours per week on an average basis, doing activities they both enjoy.

• Provide companionship
• Reading
• Crafts
• Assisting in the Culinary Department.

Volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in assisiting with recreation programs, outings, friendly visiting, computer programs, reading programs and special events.

Assisting persons with a new spinal cord injury by offering hope and encouragement through shared personal experiences.

Bench Warmers are friendly people who allow others to engage in conversation in either parks or malls. Studies show that loneliness has the same dire consequences on physical health as smoking a pack a day! Social connection is so needed (and often lost in the shuffle of busyness and technology) and MatureMinds Friendship Bench offers an opportunity for interaction and social engagement. The implementation is simple but the results are deep and  meaningful. Volunteers will receive training in active listening, self care, mental health awareness, and ageism. After successfully completing the training, volunteers become Bench Warmers. They sit on a bench either at a park or in a mall with a sign that says "If you want to talk, I want to listen." Be part of the cure for the loneliness epidemic! Become a Bench Warmer.

Compassionate care volunteers work one on one with individual clients to assist them with: 

• eating, social and recreational activities
• friendly visiting with individual clients
• palliative care visiting to provide social interaction and support for clients approaching end of life

Visiting residents residing in long term care, one-on-one. This can include walking with residents inside and outside the facility.

Assist with various programs of the centre such as health and wellness and recreational activities; cleaning and maintenance, annual powwow.

Volunteers visit seniors' centres, hospitals and schools with properly evaluated dogs, no less than 1 year old, providing residents and patients the companionship of a pet.

Help Senior Wish expand into Simcoe County to ensure that no senior is left isolated, alone and feeling like society has forgotten them. Help is especially needed to prepare for our Christmas Wish program starting in Sept.