FRN Program
A mentor for your kid.
Free.
Your child gets matched with a trained, caring adult mentor — someone who shows up consistently, builds a real relationship, and helps them grow. Through Big Brothers Big Sisters and other FRN youth programs, available across Calgary for kids ages 6-18.
What is youth mentoring?
Your kid gets a mentor — a real, consistent adult in their life who isn't you, isn't a teacher, isn't a therapist. Someone who takes them to the park, helps them with a tough week at school, listens to them, and just shows up. It sounds simple, and it is. But the research is clear: having one stable, caring adult in a young person's life changes outcomes.
Through Calgary's FRN system, Big Brothers Big Sisters provides 1:1 mentoring in all six geographic zones. Matches are based on interests, personality, and location. The mentor and your child meet regularly — weekly is typical — and build a relationship over time.
It's not tutoring. It's not counselling. It's a real friendship with an adult who's been screened, trained, and is there because they want to be there. For a kid who's struggling socially, dealing with family changes, or just needs someone else in their corner, it can be a game-changer.
Who it's for
Kids and teens ages 6-18
Eligibility
Youth ages 6-18. No income requirement. No referral needed. Any family can apply. The program is especially helpful for kids dealing with social challenges, family transitions, or who could benefit from another positive adult in their life.
Beyond mentoring
Some zones also offer youth life skills programs, emotional development groups, and after-school activities. Indigenous FRNs run culturally grounded youth programs. Trellis Society offers multi-session youth therapy for distress, trauma, and 2SLGBTQ+ affirming support.
What to expect
How it works
Step 1
Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters
Call 403-777-3535 or go through your FRN hub. You'll fill out an application about your child — their interests, personality, what they might need in a mentor.
Step 2
Intake and matching
BBBS does an intake with you and your child. They screen and train all mentors carefully. Then they match based on compatibility — interests, personality, location. This takes time (weeks to months), but the match quality matters.
Step 3
Regular meetings
Once matched, the mentor and your child meet regularly — usually weekly. They might go to a park, play a game, talk, or do an activity together. A caseworker checks in with you, your child, and the mentor to make sure things are going well.
Where to access
Youth mentoring by zone
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides 1:1 mentoring across all six geographic zones. Some zones also have additional youth programs.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
1:1 youth mentoring (community + school-based)
📞 403-777-3535
Hub: YW Calgary
Big Brothers Big Sisters
1:1 youth mentoring
📞 403-777-3535
Hub: Closer to Home
Big Brothers Big Sisters
1:1 youth mentoring
📞 403-777-3535
Hub: Families Matter
Big Brothers Big Sisters
1:1 youth mentoring
📞 403-777-3535
Hub: Families Matter
Big Brothers Big Sisters
1:1 youth mentoring
📞 403-777-3535
Hub: Trellis Society
Big Brothers Big Sisters
1:1 youth mentoring
📞 403-777-3535
Hub: Children's Cottage
Miskanawah + Niitoiyis
Youth life skills, culturally informed youth well-being
📞 403-247-5003
Hub: Miskanawah
MCFS (Métis Calgary Family Services)
Indigenous youth mentoring, Elders, peer support
📞 403-240-4642
Hub: Miskanawah
CIWA
Immigrant Girls, Boys and More (14+)
📞 403-263-4414
Hub: CIWA
Common questions
Youth Mentoring FAQ
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are community volunteers who go through a thorough screening and training process through Big Brothers Big Sisters. They're background-checked, interviewed, and trained. They volunteer because they want to make a difference in a young person's life.
How long does it take to get matched?
Matching takes time — usually weeks to a few months. BBBS takes matching seriously because a good match is what makes the program work. Apply early so you're in the queue.
Where do the mentor and my child meet?
Community-based matches meet out in the community — parks, libraries, activity centres. School-based matches meet at the child's school. You and the caseworker agree on what works for your family.
What if the match isn't working?
That happens sometimes. Tell your caseworker. They'll work with you and can rematch if needed. The goal is a positive relationship — if it's not clicking, they'll find a better fit.
My teenager is resistant. Should I still apply?
Yes. Talk to BBBS about it — they deal with this all the time. The matching process takes your teen's preferences into account. Many reluctant teens end up valuing the relationship once it's established.
Related programs
More support that might help
Parenting Classes
Free courses on behaviour, anxiety, positive parenting, and more. Learn strategies for supporting your kid at home.
Rapid Access Counselling
A free 75-minute counselling session for individuals, couples, or families. No waitlist.
Functional Family Therapy
Intensive family therapy to improve communication and reduce conflict. For families with kids 0-18.