Bringing Your Child To New Heights

 

Richard Jones of Journal News wrote an article about the benefits of Big Brothers Big Sisters and how your child will reach new heights and is on a path to success while apart of the program. Jones explains Big Brothers Big Sisters as a program that “sets up one-on-one mentoring relationship between at- risk children and qualified adults as well as group activities designed to give the young people some guidance while staff members search for matches among the limited supply of volunteers.” Jones’ article goes on to explain a study done by Public/Private Ventures which explained that children apart of Big Brothers Big Sisters were less likely to use illegal drugs, one-third less likely to engage in violence, and were more likely to be confident in school.

Jones interviewed Rob Clevenger, director of the Juvenile Justice Center who said, “One common thing we find is that (the children) lack a positive role model, and we believe that putting a significant person in the life of the child will help them shape their lives in a better way” Big Brothers Big Sisters has made an impact in the lives of at-risk children by simply giving them a role model who will help them in any situation and will support them.

Jones mentions some of the mentors who have made huge impacts in their Little Brothers’ and Sisters’ lives. The mentors inform Jones and readers that being a Big Brother or Sister takes commitment and you must take that into consideration when applying. A mentor must spend at least one hour a week with their Little. After applying you must partake in background checks as well as provide references to a match support specialist. Once you are assigned a little you must fill out a series of surveys to insure the relationship is successful and healthy. As a Big, it is a requirement to inform your match support specialist of any changes your Little may encounter.

Executive Director, Carolyn Winslow, addresses that the program’s biggest challenge is keeping money within the program. Winslow said, “The last four or five years have been tough on us. While the economy has made it harder to get money coming in, it has also increased the number of kids we have needing our service.” All donations are greatly appreciated but the lack of donations affects the success of our program and the success of the Littles.

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