CLEARFIELD – In recognition of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters is calling on not only volunteers, but donors as well, to provide support for thousands of children who need mentors. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor-supported volunteer network of long-term mentors for youth, providing matching, screening and ongoing support for “Bigs”, “Littles” and their families. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clearfield County is one of the networks’ nearly 400 agencies helping about 255,000 Littles – primarily children of single, low-income and incarcerated parents – succeed in and out of school.
National Mentoring Month is spearheaded by the Harvard Mentoring Project of the Harvard School of Public Health, MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a lead partner.
“Our priority, and what differentiates Big Brothers Big Sisters, is our commitment to providing long-term mentoring, resulting in positive educational and social outcomes, improving kids’ chances to succeed” said Valerie Swales, Program Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clearfield County. “Donors enable us to provide ongoing support for Bigs and Littles and their families from before each match is made, throughout the course of their relationship”.
Independent research finds that Littles are more likely than their peers to have better school attendance and improvements in behavior – avoiding violence and illegal activities – and they are more likely to have stronger relationships at home and elsewhere.
This month, with emphasis on mentoring, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clearfield County is expecting a surge in volunteers. The hope is that donations will come in as well, so that all Bigs and Littles who are ready to be matched can begin a long, successful mentoring match supported by professionals who are committed to helping vulnerable children beat the odds.
To learn more about volunteering or enrolling a child, or to make a donation, call 814-765-2687, ext. 222 or e-mail bbbs@childaid.org.