Horizons For Youth - Scholarship. Mentoring. Community.

Having a positive role model can make all the difference in a child's development.

Become An HFY Big Sibling

Become a Big Sibling

Mentoring is the cornerstone of our organization. These volunteers, or Big Siblings, develop a one–on–one relationship with a child in our program. They attend the monthly Child Enrichment Outings and have at least one other contact with the child individually each month. As a Big Sibling, you are a primary source of support for a student in our program and have the opportunity to develop a lasting relationship with the child and the entire family. Mentors commit to a two–year contract in order to be matched, and our average mentoring relationship is just under three years. There is no financial obligation.

We've found some characteristics that make an ideal Big Sibling include:

  • patience and understanding
  • high energy, fun and active
  • consistency and commitment to the Big Sibling program
  • willingness and desire to get to know Little Sib’s family
 
Become An HFY Surrogate Big Sibling

Other Ways To Volunteer

 

Become a Surrogate Big Sibling

As a Surrogate Big Sibling, you would be paired with one of our children for (second Saturday) monthly Child Enrichment Outings as you are available. It's a great way to get involved with the students if you are unable to commit to being a full–time Big Sibling.

Join the Young Professionals Board

The Young Professionals Board supports our mission through social events, volunteer recruitment, fundraisers and service projects. This group of volunteers meets monthly, planning regular social events for current and prospective volunteers, supporting the organization's fundraising efforts, and managing drives and initiatives to benefit our students and families.

“She and I hit if off right from the start. I feel we can talk about pretty much anything and I feel comfortable with the rest of her family.”

– Rachel, Horizons for Youth Big Sibling

 

Apply to Volunteer

Simply download, fill out and fax the pdf application. We will contact you once we review your application. Thank you!

HFY Application IconDownload HFY Application

Contact Us to Volunteer

Bobby Capulong, Volunteer Director
bobby@horizons–for–youth.org
or call us at 312–627–9031

Horizons for Youth is a certified
501(c)3 non–profit organization

Upcoming Events

March Child Enrichment Outing
Saturday, March 13th, 2010: 9am-11:30am K-2nd: Interactive Children's Concert 3rd-5th: CircEsteem Circus Activities 6th-8th: Illustration Workshop

2008 Annual Report

Link Indicator  view our Annual Report

Chicago Circus Spectacular

On November 21st, some of Horizons for Youth's families and Big Sibs enjoyed the circus at UIC Pavilion.

Visit our Community page to view pictures from the event!

Horizons for Youth Wish List

There are so many other ways to help support our community!

Link Indicator  view our Wish List

Sibling Suggestions

Use the below links to find an activity for you and your Little Sibling.

Link Indicator  ChicagoKids.com

Link Indicator  Mayor's Office of Special Events

Link Indicator  Chicago Park District: Events

Link Indicator  Metromix

Program Success Stories Success Story PortraitAri: HFY Student 1992–2001

Thanks to our volunteers, Ari is one of our many successes. She has the following list of accomplishments, and the list just keeps growing.

  • overcame dyslexia
  • 2005 Chicago Academy for the Arts Graduate
  • 2009 DePaul University Graduate (top 15% of her class)
  • first in her family to graduate from college

Link Indicator  read more Horizons success stories

From Our Families

“The mentors my kids have been blessed with couldn't have been picked any better.”

Yesenia, Horizons for Youth Parent

Link Indicator  Volunteer to be a Big Sib

©2008 Horizons for Youth 703 W Monroe St Chicago, IL 60661
Call us at 312. 627.9031 or send us an email at info@horizons–for–youth.org
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