Special
Archives February 2004
Love
in a Big Way
Big Brothers/Big Sisters celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
It was founded in New York City in 1904. A clerk of the New York
Juvenile Court was appalled by the suffering of the thousands of children
who repeatedly came through the court system. At a meeting of
civic and business leaders, he appealed to those present to take the
role of a “Big Brother.” All forty men present stepped
forward, creating the movement that has become Big Brothers/Big Sisters
of America, an international non-profit organization committed to helping
youth through mentoring.
Big Brother/Big Sister organizations exist across the country, but not
in every city. In the Charleston area, the first Big and Little match
between an at-risk youth and a caring adult volunteer was in July
1997. To date, more than 150 children have been served by BBBS programs.
There are as many girls in the program as boys.
In their community-based program, Big Brothers/Big Sisters provides
adult mentors to youth from single-parent families. In the school-based
program, youth just need to exhibit a need that could be addressed by
spending time with a caring adult. Problem areas can include disassociation
from peers, constant tardiness, excessive absenteeism or a child may
just need help with their homework. School counselors may recommend
children for the program or a single parent may ask for help.
The organization has strict guidelines regarding screening and training
of volunteers. Volunteers in the traditional program fill out an
application, provide three personal references, submit to a criminal
background and fingerprint check, a driving record check, an interview,
a two hour training with the case manager and a home visit before ever
meeting with a child for the first time.
Adult mentors are called “Bigs”. They report in on
a monthly or bi-monthly basis, depending on how long the match has been
in place. The case manager also does regular follow-up with the children,
“Littles”, and their parents. The program is designed
for children between 6-14. Some stay in the program for years with the
same mentoring adult. There are 55 Big and Little pairs in place and
27 children on the waiting list now. The number of girls and boys who
need a Big Sister or Big Brother always exceeds the number of adult
volunteers.
“Bigs” spend 6-8 hours a month with their “Little”.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters sponsors events through the year that allow
adult volunteers and youth to participate in group activities like hay
rides, swimming parties, bonfires, holiday parties, picnics, bowling,
and community service. Executive Director Darrell Buttrick says. “We
want the kids and the adults to have fun and become friends. It
is so helpful for at risk children to spend time with someone who shows
an interest, someone who can show them another perspective.”
BBBS also seeks community partners to provide mentors for the organization.
Columbia Gas Transmission and the West Virginia Hospital Association
are Big Brother/Big Sister partner organizations that match adults from
their company with community youth. As a part of a national movement
to improve the lives of children, BBBSA is partnering with Lion’s
Clubs, Rotary, Kiwanis, and Civitan groups to try and provide more than
1,000,000 mentors to children in the next 5 years.
Through fund raising events like the Myrtle Beach Dinner Dance, Bowl
For Kids Sake, and their annual Giving Campaign, Big Brothers/Big Sisters
raises 95% of its operating revenue from local citizens and corporations.
Government and foundation grants make up the remainder. Approximately
65% of agency funding goes to direct support of and programs for youth
participants and adult volunteers.
Besides mentoring, BBBS has volunteers who coordinate public relations
campaigns, coordinate fund raising events, and plan monthly to bi-monthly
programs for the children. The South Charleston office serves
youth in Kanawha and Putnam Counties.
For more information, visit the BBBS office at 325 Sixth Avenue
in South Charleston or call 304- 746-7900.
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