Thank you for your interest in referring a youth!

We accept referrals from teachers, social workers, therapists, guidance counselors, and other professionals. However, enrollment in our program requires approval and participation by a child's parent or legal guardian. All parents/guardians must want their children to be in our program, and all children must want a mentor.

Once a youth referral has been received by our agency, our staff will contact the child’s parent or legal guardian to determine if this is the right program for their child and determine if their child meets program eligibility criteria. 

Please click here for Frequently Asked Questions and Glossary of Terms.

COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM

Community-Based "Bigs" and "Littles" spend a couple of hours together, 2-4 times a month. A few activities that Community-Based matches enjoy are: going to movies, grabbing a bite to eat, and going to the park. Youth between the ages of 7 and 16 that reside in Benton, Stearns, Sherburne, Morrison, and the northern tier of Wright counties are eligible for this program.

Note: this is not an application. The parent/guardian still needs to complete an application. We will also need a signed release from the parent/guardian. You can email the release to Katherine Swanson, Enrollment Coordinator, at Katherine@BigDefenders.org.

SCHOOL/SITE-BASED PROGRAM

School/Site-Based "Bigs" and "Littles" spend about one hour together, one time per week. School-Based matches meet at the youth's school or designated site and remain on the school/site grounds during their time together. A few activities that these matches enjoy are: playing board games, arts & crafts, and playing on the school playground. School districts currently served include Foley, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Pierz, Holdingford and St. Cloud. Youth between the ages of 5 and 14 are eligible for this program.
Note: this is not an application.

Please send all youth referral forms along with a consent and release form to Enrollment Coordinator Katherine Swanson at Katherine@BigDefenders.org.

If you have any questions, please call our office at 320.253.1616