University of Southern Maine School of Social Work
Agency Profile for Undergraduate/Graduate Student Placements
Date: 04/21/2010
Name of Agency: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine
Agency Address: 195 Lancaster Street, Portland 04101; 2 Main St Biddeford 04005
Agency Telephone Number: 207-773-5437
In arranging for field placements, whom should the student contact?
Richard Verre
Name of Field Instructor: Richard Verre
Field Instructor Contact Information
Telephone number: 207-773-5437
Email Address: Richard.verre@somebigs.org
Agency director and/or key administrative personnel:
Name: Sam Beal; Richard Verre
Position: Executive Director; Coordinator of Site Based Programs
Student’s agency is able to handle:
BSW __X___
MSW /Foundation year _____ (1st year)
MSW/Concentration year ____ (2nd year)
How many students can your agency accommodate? 3
Briefly describe the basic services/programs of the agency, client population served, and the size of
your staff.
Mission: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine is committed to making a positive difference in
the lives of young people, focusing on prevention, primarily through professionally supported one to
one relationships with volunteers, enriching their lives and our community.
Community Based Programs: Matching boys and girls ages 7-14, with pre-screened adult males and
females, and providing on-going case management and support for them while they are matched.
Site Based Programs with High School Mentors: The foundation, strength and uniqueness of these
student driven programs is student co-ownership. The high school Bigs are partners with adult staff,
involved in revising program support and feedback for each other. Students from each program also
meet regularly for peer support and program planning.
Casco Bay, Portland, Cheverus & Deering High Schools/Portland Recreation: which matches high
school students with children involved with the Portland Parks & Recreation after school programs at
the Portland Elementary school of their choosing. Matches meet for at least one hour, one day a
week, Monday through Friday between 3 and 5:30pm.
Big Reds & Little Reds: between South Portland High School and 21 club after school programs at
Brown, Kaler, and Skillin elementary schools. Matches meet on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons from
3-4pm.
Gorham/New Gloucester High School & Middle School: matches meet for an hour from Monday
through Thursday at the middle school.
Westbrook High School/Canal Elementary/Westbrook Middle School: matches meet from 11:15 to
12:15 on alternating Fridays at Canal and from 1-2pm Wednesdays at the middle school.
Windham High School/Windham school age child care: Matches meet for at least one hour, one day a
week, from Monday through Friday between 3:30 and 5:30pm.
Scarborough High School/Bessworth child Care: Matches meet for at least one hour, one day a week,
from Monday through Friday between 3:00 and 5:30pm.
York County: Matches meet from Kennebunk, Sanford, Wells, and Thornton to their corresponding
middle and elementary schools. Matches meet for at least one hour, one day a week, from Monday
through Friday between 3:00 and 5pm.
Sit Based Programs with Adult Mentors: We currently have programs where forty adult Big Brother
and Big Sisters are matched with young people at Portland Parks and recreation after school
program sites; Hall elementary school in Portland, Kaler elementary school in South Portland,
Saccarappa Elementary school in Westbrook, Gorham Middle school, and at Greely Junior high school
in Cumberland. These mentors meet with their littles for one hour each week.
When are agency staff and other important meetings held?
Staff meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30. Intern staff meeting times will be
announced.
What characteristics or qualities would be helpful for a student to have to best utilize the placement
as a learning opportunity?

Maturity

Reliability

Flexibility

Creativity

Ability to have fun and laugh

Ability to work on their own (after some orientation and with support available)
Would a student who needs a highly structured learning environment do well in this placement?
Yes __X__
No __ ___ Comments: There is always support if needed
List the learning opportunities available for the student in your setting:
General Description:

Learn different aspects of the agency

Participate in staff meetings

Staff two or more of the high school programs

Possibly supervise matches in the adult school based programs

Assist with developing new school based matches

Take advantages of other opportunities as they arise
High School Programs: high school mentors:

Provide supervision and support during weekly get togethers

Interview Bigs & Littles

Co-facilitate volunteer trainings

Facilitate Bigs planning/support meetings

Provide match support

Assist with recruiting new Bigs

Shop for weekly food and supplies
Adult Mentors:

Provide support to matches. Matches meet on different days and different times, depending
on the school.
Is there adequate physical space for the student(s)? Yes
Does the student need a car? Yes _X_ No __
Is mileage reimbursable? Yes _X _
No __
Can your agency provide an opportunity for students to fulfill part of their required placement hours
on evenings or weekends?
No; but most weekday afternoons must be available because this is when most of the programs
meet.
Does your agency require any formal training for interns?
Yes __X __
No ____
If yes, how many training hours are required? 3 days of orientation and online training
When is the training offered? The first three weeks of the internship
Can the training be completed online?
Yes _ X__
No ___ ; some
Is the agency handicapped accessible?
Yes _X __
No ___
Agency Requirements:
Background check (SBI)
Yes ___
No _X_
Physical exam
Yes ___
No _X_
Immunizations
Yes ___
No _X_
If yes, what immunizations are required?
Other pertinent information: