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Provides trained volunteer mentors to at-risk children in need of a positive adult role model, by working in partnership with the children, their families and the community. Programs include: ONE-ON-ONE PROGRAM: matches a volunteer mentor with a Child in Need of Assistance or through a referral from our local school districts. Mentor Iowa works directly with the Department of Human Services (DHHS), Juvenile Court Services and local school districts who identify children who could benefit from having a mentor. EARLY SERVICES PROJECT (ESP) -Working with Juvenile Court Services, Orchard Place Child Guidance Center, and the Des Moines Public School District, Mentor Iowa provides mentoring services to children, ages 4 – 11, who have committed a minor delinquent act. TRANSITION PROGRAM - A collaboration with JCS, Des Moines Public School District and Sequel Care. Mentor Iowa provides mentoring services to teens, ages 14 and up, who are reentering the community after an out of home placement due to a crime they committed. TRUANCY COURT - A collaboration with Truancy Court, Des Moines Public Schools and the Polk County Attorney’s office. Mentor Iowa volunteers are matched with referred middle school students who have a history of truancy. GIRL POWER - a program for females between the ages of 11 through 16. Girl Power is designed to provide a forum for young women to interact with each other and discuss areas of common concern. Issues addressed include: career exploration, substance use and abuse, gangs and violence and sexuality and healthy decision making. The mentors of these young women are encouraged to participate in the Girl Power program.

Long term residential placement for youth 10-18 years of age. Outpatient substance abuse treatment and therapy services available for youth placed in the long-term residential program.

Behavioral health services for youth 5-18 years of age depending on the program or service.

Volunteer mentoring program for 3rd through 12th grade in math or reading skills.

Family preservation services in Iowa and Nebraska.

Educational programs for professionals working with youth.

Provides the opportunity for the mentor (Big) to visit their Little in the child's school, after school program, or at another youth-serving agency. This allows for the mentor to meet in a more structured environment than out in the community, usually for about an hour per week.

Character and leadership development. Programs include aquatics, arts, sports, fitness and recreation, health and life skills, educational and career development, job training, career preparation, tutoring services, and age appropriate community service.

Outdoor activities, including Carter Lake Summer Camp (Mon-Fri 8 am-4 pm).

Meals served. Limited bus service - call for details.

Provides a mentoring program for female-identifying students at Ames High School.

A community-based mentoring program that matches children with adult mentors to spark positive growth and confidence in a fun and exciting way.

Community-based mentoring involves meeting outside the school setting, allowing for activities such as going to the movies, visiting the park, and participating in community events.

Big Pals Little Pals plans monthly activities that offer unique opportunities and experiences that may not be readily available to the Little Pals otherwise.

Provides a youth mentoring program for youth, ages 12-17, workshops and activities to explore career opportunities, and job search assistance through Goodwill’s Employment Services Program.

Provides programs and training for youth, including:

- Life skills training

- Peer mentorship

- Career readiness

- Tutoring and after school programs

- Dance and step programs

- Sports camp

Creates mentoring opportunities for young people to gain the knowledge, skills and support necessary to lead healthy, productive lives. Program serves multi-ethnic young people ages 15-23 who come from fractured family structure and teach basic life skills through relational mentoring.

Provides a mentoring program that matches youth from the Clayton Ridge School District with an adult who has similar interests. The adult supports the youth by sharing time and experiences of interest to them.

Serves children ages 5-14 by matching them with a caring, positive adult role model. The child and mentor meet in the community and spend time doing different activities they both enjoy and/or interact on any video conferencing platform that is not observable by BBBS. The participants commit to meeting for a minimum of 4 hours in 2-4 outings per month for a minimum of 12 months.

Can also work with the various school districts within the 5 county service area if there are children in the district that would like a Big Brother or Sister. 

Offers to assist central Iowa families and students with counseling, health care services, mentoring, sports and community projects. 

Carpenter's Place has a wide range of volunteer opportunities; some have interaction with homeless guests, others do not. Opportunities may include providing mentoring, transportation, and life skills training for the residents in the Permanent Supportive Housing program or providing mentoring, tutoring, life skills training, transportation, mock interviews, etc. for Transitional Housing residents.

Provides a structured one-on-one relationship that focuses on the needs of the youth.

Mentors help guide the youth through a wide range of tasks such as emotional well-being, social skills, self-esteem, and other areas the youth may be struggling with. The mentor helps the youth to overcome obstacles, set limits, and reach goals.

Provides services to children who reside in a foster home or children who have returned home from residential placement. In order to help preserve the placement, this program provides counseling, respite care, and mentoring along with hard services, such as clothing, furniture, recreational opportunities, etc.

Provides programs for families involved in the child welfare system or in crisis that need encouragement while they change their lives. Services include advocacy, mentoring, mediation, alternative counseling, workshops, outreach and 3rd party visits. Also provides group sessions and trainings.

Provides Individual Counseling, Grief and Loss Counseling, and Family Therapy.

Also offers guidance and support for someone learning to help people with their mental health. A licensed professional watches their work, gives advice, and makes sure they are doing a safe and good job while they practice.

Provides practical education, mentorship, and a community focused on accountability and excellence for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Offers support through real relationships and a focus on learning and growth. Builds collaboration and long-term plans to create lasting economic success.

Boxing gym with a mentorship and violence prevention program, with the goal of helping increase school graduation rates.

Programming teaches non-combative de-escalation, how to properly exercise and diet for a healthy lifestyle, and how to process and release emotions or stress in a positive manner.

Members are given strategic exercises individually and in a group, in both a classroom and gym setting.