Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta: How Mentoring Works in Atlanta and How to Get Involved

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (often shortened to BBBSMA) is one of the most visible youth mentoring organizations in the city. If you live in Atlanta and want to volunteer, refer a child, or simply understand how mentoring support works here, it helps to know what this organization actually does, who it serves, and what to expect locally.

What Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Does

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta focuses on one-to-one mentoring relationships between caring adults and young people (called “Littles”) across the Atlanta metro area.

In Atlanta, the core goals are to:

• Provide consistent, long-term mentorship to children and teens
• Support academic achievement, social skills, and confidence
• Connect families to community resources when needed
• Give mentors clear training, guidance, and staff support

The local agency serves youth in Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, and surrounding counties, which covers much of the greater Atlanta region where many families live and work.

Where Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta Is Located

The organization’s main office is centrally located and easy to reach from many parts of the metro area.

Main Office (Administrative & Program Hub)

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta
• Address: 1382 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  (in the Midtown area, near major transit routes and MARTA access points)
• Main Phone: 404-601-7000 (commonly listed as the primary contact number)
• Typical Uses:
  • Volunteer orientations and trainings
  • Staff and case management offices
  • Parent and guardian information sessions (as scheduled)

Office hours and walk-in policies can change, so it’s usually best to call ahead before visiting in person.

Who Big Brothers Big Sisters Serves in Atlanta

Youth (“Littles”)

In Metro Atlanta, BBBS generally serves:

• Children and teens (commonly ages around 8–18)
• Youth who could benefit from:
  • Extra one-on-one attention and encouragement
  • Positive role models outside the home
  • Support navigating school, friendships, and future planning

Young people often come from:

• Atlanta Public Schools and nearby school districts
• Neighborhoods in Atlanta, College Park, East Point, Decatur, Marietta, and other local communities
• Families looking for additional support and enrichment for their kids

Volunteers (“Bigs”)

Volunteers in Atlanta come from many backgrounds:

• College students at Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and other schools
• Professionals working in Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Perimeter, and the Airport area
• Longtime residents and newcomers who want to give back

The main things they tend to have in common:

• A commitment to showing up consistently
• Willingness to complete screening and training
• An interest in building a supportive relationship with a young person

Types of Mentoring Programs in Metro Atlanta

Program structures can evolve, but locally you’re likely to see two main formats:

1. Community-Based Mentoring

This is the classic “Big/Little” match that many people think of.

• Mentors and youth meet out in the community:
  • Grab a snack around Little Five Points or Decatur Square
  • Visit local parks like Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Chastain Park
  • Explore free or low-cost attractions and events
• Typical time commitment:
  • A few hours, a couple of times per month
  • Often evenings or weekends, depending on schedules
• Families and mentors work with a BBBS staff member to set expectations, safety guidelines, and communication plans.

This format is a good fit if you’re comfortable driving, using MARTA, and planning your own meetups around the city.

2. School- or Site-Based Mentoring

In metro Atlanta, Big Brothers Big Sisters also partners with:

• Local schools (including Atlanta Public Schools and nearby districts)
• Community centers and youth-serving sites

Key features:

• Meetings happen on site, usually:
  • During the school day or an after-school program
  • On a set weekday/time
• Activities may include:
  • Homework help
  • Reading practice
  • Games and conversation
• Often, these are shorter, more structured sessions, especially helpful for volunteers with limited evening/weekend flexibility.

This is often ideal for college students or professionals who can volunteer near their workplace or campus.

How to Become a Big Brother or Big Sister in Atlanta

If you want to volunteer, the process in Atlanta generally follows several steps.

1. Confirm You Meet Basic Requirements

These can be updated over time, but typically Atlanta volunteers should:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be able to commit for about a year or longer
• Pass a background check
• Have stable enough housing, schedule, and transportation to support regular visits

For community-based matches, having reliable transportation around the metro area is especially helpful.

2. Submit an Inquiry or Application

Atlanta residents usually start by:

• Filling out an online volunteer form (or calling the office for help)
• Providing basic details about:
  • Where you live or work (to help match you locally)
  • Your interests, hobbies, and schedule
  • Whether you prefer school-based or community-based mentoring

Staff then contact you to explain next steps.

3. Attend Orientation and Interview

You can expect:

• An orientation session (group or individual):
  • Overview of the mission in Metro Atlanta
  • Expectations of Bigs, Littles, and families
  • Safety, boundaries, and communication guidelines
• A one-on-one interview:
  • To understand your background and motivations
  • To help staff match you with a compatible Little

This is where you can ask detailed questions about neighborhoods, time commitments, and any concerns you may have.

4. Background Check and References

BBBS of Metro Atlanta typically conducts:

• Criminal background checks
• Driving record checks (if you will be transporting a Little)
• Reference checks with people who know you well

This screening is standard nationwide and is a core part of making mentoring relationships safe.

5. Matching and First Meeting

Once approved:

• Staff look for a Little whose location, interests, and needs match your profile:
  • For example, a mentor who lives in Sandy Springs might be matched with a child in North Fulton, while a Georgia State student might be matched downtown.
• You, the Little, and the family usually meet with a BBBS staff member present:
  • To get to know each other
  • To review guidelines and expectations
  • To plan your first outings or meetings

After that, you start meeting regularly, with ongoing support from your assigned staff contact.

How Families in Atlanta Can Get a Child Involved

If you’re a parent, guardian, or caregiver in Metro Atlanta and believe your child would benefit from a mentor, the process usually looks like this:

1. Reach Out to the Main Office

• Phone (typical): 404-601-7000
  Ask for enrollment or intake information for your child.

You can also ask if BBBS works with your child’s school or after-school program, which can make scheduling easier.

2. Complete an Application and Intake

You can generally expect:

• Forms about:
  • Your child’s age, school, interests, and challenges
  • Household information and emergency contacts
• A family interview to:
  • Understand what kind of mentor would be helpful
  • Discuss expectations and safety rules
  • Talk about your availability for meetings and check-ins

3. Matching and Check-Ins

Once your child is placed on the waitlist and matched:

• A BBBS staff member introduces everyone and explains:
  • How often the mentor should meet with your child
  • What activities are allowed
  • How communication works
• Staff periodically check in with you, your child, and the Big to:
  • Monitor how the match is going
  • Help resolve any issues early
  • Offer ideas for free or low-cost activities around Atlanta

Parents are expected to stay engaged, communicate with staff, and support consistent attendance.

What the Time Commitment Looks Like in Atlanta

The exact schedule depends on the program and your match, but in Metro Atlanta, volunteers often commit to something like:

Community-Based Example:

• 2–4 meetups per month
• 1–3 hours per outing
• Often on weeknights or weekends, depending on traffic patterns and family schedules

School-/Site-Based Example:

• Once a week or a couple of times a month
• Around 1 hour per session
• Typically during or right after school, at the same site

BBBS staff in Atlanta generally encourage long-term matches—many last a year or more—because consistency is what tends to be most helpful for youth.

Common Activities Bigs and Littles Do in Atlanta

One advantage of mentoring in Metro Atlanta is how many free and low-cost activities are available. Depending on age and interests, typical outings may include:

• Parks and outdoor spaces
  • Walking or playing sports at Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Chastain Park
  • Riding bikes on parts of the Atlanta BeltLine
• Libraries and learning
  • Visiting Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System branches
  • Working on reading or homework in quiet spaces
• Local culture and attractions
  • Exploring neighborhoods like Inman Park, West End, or Midtown
  • Attending free community festivals or events
• Life skills and everyday activities
  • Cooking simple meals together (with family permission)
  • Practicing MARTA navigation on trains and buses
  • Visiting a college campus, like Georgia Tech or Georgia State, to talk about future plans

BBBS encourages activities that are safe, age-appropriate, and affordable. Staff can recommend options based on your neighborhood and budget.

Safety and Support for Matches

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta emphasizes child safety and match support. While specific policies can change, you can generally expect:

• Thorough screening of all volunteers
• Clear rules about:
  • One-on-one time
  • Transportation
  • Communication (calls, texts, social media)
• Regular check-ins from professional staff:
  • To ensure the child feels safe and supported
  • To help mentors navigate any challenges
  • To assist families if circumstances change

Mentors, families, and youth can contact their assigned program specialist if questions or concerns come up.

Quick Reference: Key Details at a Glance

Tips for Atlantans Considering Getting Involved

If you’re thinking about volunteering or enrolling a child:

• Be realistic about your schedule.
  Atlanta traffic and commute times can affect how often you can meet. Consider locations near your home, work, or school.

• Ask about program locations.
  If you live or work in specific areas—like South Fulton, East Atlanta, or Cobb County—you can ask whether there are nearby school or community-based options.

• Use local resources.
  BBBS staff can share ideas for safe and affordable activities in your part of the city.

• Stay in communication.
  Whether you’re a parent or a mentor, staying in touch with your BBBS program specialist is key to a healthy, long-lasting match.

For most people in Atlanta, the next practical step is simple: call the main office or visit the official site, express your interest, and ask which program in your neighborhood or school district is the best fit. From there, staff guide you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.