Big Brothers, Big Sisters program need mentors

Last October, when Morgan returned to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at Downeast Elementary school for his second year, he carried around a picture of him and his Big Sister for the entire week of their post-summer reunion. He was so excited to see her after school that he ran into the gym and tackled her with a bear hug as he began to rattle off details of his summer.

To be part of something big is simple. It only takes one caring person and one hour a week to impact the life of a child. In the words of Little Brother, Morgan, “I like my Big Sister because she is fun, likes spending time with me, and really cares about me!”

Gabby, Morgan’s High School Big Sister for two years, says that she loved being a Big Sister and always looked forward to their Thursdays together. She also said that as much as she helped Morgan, he motivated her to want to be the best role model and person she could be.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Maine facilitates friendships that are both powerful and cherished – relationships similar to the one between Morgan and his Big Sister.

After another successful year, the organization is joining once again with Downeast School in Bangor, and Leroy Smith and Wagner Middle schools in Winterport to provide onsite mentoring programs for children who could use an additional caring friend.

Big Brothers Big Sisters matched more than 500 children with mentors last year across Penobscot, Hancock and Washington counties. We hope to continue facilitating and supporting friendships this school year.

School-based mentoring is an excellent way to influence a child’s life through a supportive, supervised environment. While the structure of each program will differ slightly according to school schedule, the benefit is the same.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the oldest and most effective youth programs whose approach is proven to help kids stay in school, off drugs and improve relationships and attitudes. Compared to their peers, children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister also are less likely to start drinking or to hit someone, according to the Public-Private Ventures 1995 Big Brothers Big Sisters Impact Study.

The time commitment for a mentor is roughly one hour a week for the school year, and meetings take place after school at each of the Winterport and Bangor schools. The agency is in critical need of mentors – particularly Hampden Academy or college students – for the Winterport mentoring programs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters serves children age 7 to 18 who are in need of additional support and friendship, primarily from single-parent homes.

As the organization strives to serve more school children this year, additional support from the business community is vital. Big Brothers Big Sisters urges local businesses to provide employees with a small amount of time each week to befriend a child.

Adults and high school students interested in becoming a mentor are asked to complete a short application. Each applicant is interviewed, screened and trained by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff. Mentors will be matched with children based on mutual interests and the child’s individual needs. Big Brothers Big Sisters staff provide each mentor with on-going support and supervision.

As a mentor, whether you learn a new game, bond over a heart to heart, or share a new joke, little moments like these have the power to influence a child in a big way.

To obtain information on how to become a Big in a Bangor or Winterport school, or to support the program, call 947-2063 or e-mail bbbs2@downeasthealth.org.