Mentoring: Make a difference
January is National Mentor Month and a great time to consider any resolutions you have to act as a positive role model for a young person in need. Last year, North Coast Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrated 40 years and 4,000 youth served in Humboldt County. The stories shared at the event were not only heartwarming, but also proved how one's support can indeed make a difference in a young person's life.
The enthusiasm for this program was evident not only in the stories told by current “Bigs” and “Littles,” as the matches are called, but also by people who have served the program over the years. The 2006 Big Sister of the Year, Vikki Ziskin, with her “Teen Sister” Kate, shared how much their 10-year match has enriched both their lives.
Caterina Lewis-Perry, an AmeriCorps volunteer with NCBBBS, brought some valuable insight to her service about her experience as a Little Sister; she recalled the match with gratitude. Now serving as a “Big,” the joy and pride shared between her and her “Teen Sister” Chelsea Nelson were unmistakable. Caterina shared how the hard work of the agency deeply impressed her and said, “now, as a Big Sister, I understand it's a way to give back.”
Former staff member Alysia Gibbs recalled how she and her “Little” Brittany Gosvener first met nine years ago and made clay pigs at Alice Birney Elementary. “We're now no longer a match – we're real sisters,” Gibbs said.
Also at the event, Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services Director Phil Crandall shared the importance of “family preservation” and mentor programs in “maintaining a thread of humanity in Humboldt County.” With 3,000 children in our county pulled from families every year, resulting in 70 percent of those children winding up later in the prison system and 20 percent becoming homeless, Crandall stressed the value of “permanence and an anchor in a child's life that is the magic that is Big Brothers Big Sisters.” The department has not only given substantial grants to the program over the years, but has sponsored and formed its own teams, with 90 staff members involved at the last “Bowl for Kids' Sake” benefit.
What does it take to be a “Big”? Volunteers are screened for safety and trained in mentoring techniques. They are asked to make a year commitment, visiting with their “Little” three to four times per month. Professional case managers work with the families and volunteers, providing resources, support and encouragement.
”Littles” are children between the ages of 6 and 16 who need and want a positive adult mentor. They lack the care and consistency of one or both parents or are facing significant challenges.
Children come to Big Brothers Big Sisters through a variety of ways – a parent, caregiver, teacher, counselor, caring individual or youth service agency may make referrals. All children and their parents must want to be in the program. There are currently more than 30 local children ready for a match; another 50 are interested and on a waiting list.
Not sure if you have time to commit to being a Big Brother or Sister? Consider helping with a Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser or becoming a board member. Director Monty Nickerson related that it costs $1,190 to recruit, match and support one match per year.
Join in with the fun at this year's Bowl for Kids' Sake event in March by forming or sponsoring a team, or assisting as event support staff. This year's theme, in honor of the year Big Brothers Big Sisters began in Humboldt County (1969), will be “Peace, Love, Rock-n-Bowl!”
After you've donned your hippie gear and tossed a few strikes, you can help out later in the year at the “Taste for Kids' Sake” fundraiser – help serve delicious wines, chocolates and cheeses (and maybe taste a few for yourself).
Stacy Becker
12 January 2010
