Connecticut-based mentoring group Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut has recently expressed interest in finding new mentors for their volunteer organization. BBBSCT connects adult volunteers (known as “Bigs”) with young people (known as “Littles”) in need to give children positive relationships.
According to the BBBSCT website, the organization’s mission statement is “to provide children in need with outstanding mentors who help them reach their highest potential,” although they note that the organization has 225 children waiting to be paired with a mentor.
A press release from BBBSCT notes that the group is “urgently seeking more students at the University of Connecticut to become mentors to at-risk students.” According to the press release, “Several UConn students currently volunteer at BBBSCT sites, including Windham Middle School, Windham Central School, and Barrows STEM Academy.”
BBBSCT uses a variety of methods to connect their Bigs with their Littles, including their Community-Based, Site-Based, Foster Grandparent, and Big Futures programs. The organization’s press release specifically asks for mentors willing to engage in the site-based program.
In the site-based program, Bigs meet with their Littles during the school day, and “Littles and Bigs engage in activities such as homework help, arts and crafts, recreational activities, group projects, and guest speaker sessions,” according to the BBBSCT website.
“The focus is on building a friendship, offering guidance, and inspiring potential,” the website says.
In the organization’s press release, BBBSCT’s Director of School and Site-Based Programs Shasity Rios noted that “The benefits of being a mentor in our site-based program include having fun while achieving personal growth, improving your self-esteem, and knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life.”
The press release notes that “volunteers must commit to in-person mentoring for one hour per week through the entirety of the school year, and complete an enrollment process, including mentor training. In addition, an in-person interview and one-time pre-match training sessions are required.” Mentors must also be at least 18 years old. Applications are available on the BBBSCT website.
“Our volunteers make a positive difference in young people’s lives, whether it’s helping them with schoolwork, playing games, or just getting to know them,” site-based program manager Susan Black said in the press release, “As a result, our mentees gain confidence and do better in school.”