EVERETT In an effort to bring services to more children, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Snohomish County, a branch of the YMCA of Snohomish County, has added a new program to its service offering: After school site-based mentoring.
The after school program will take place at seven schools in the Edmonds, Everett, Marysville and Mukilteo school districts. Volunteer Bigs can visit the Little at the childs school at the end of the school day until 6 p.m. Activities include recreation, arts and crafts, homework assistance and games.
The need for mentors continues to rise, however because of time constraints as peoples lives become more and more busy, it is increasingly difficult for people to find time to volunteer. We hope this new program will give people that want to get involved another avenue to do so, said Ann Anderst, BBBS executive director.
Research indicates that direct involvement of caring, dedicated adults helps children to mature into healthy, resilient, and contributing citizens. Many youth face daily challenges that threaten their healthy development and are in danger of engaging in at-risk behavior. BBBS is committed to the belief that placing another caring adult in a childs life can make a critical difference in that child developing to his or her full potential.
In addition to volunteers needed for this new program, BBBS can always use volunteers for its Community-based and School-based mentoring programs. There are currently 109 children waiting for a mentor in the Community-based program, Anderst continued.
The Community-based mentoring program creates and monitors long-term, nurturing matches between carefully screened adult volunteers (Bigs) and children (Littles). A majority of these children are between the ages of 6 and 14, live in Snohomish County, and are from single parent families. The Bigs see their Littles two-to-four times a month for two-to-four hours per outing. Matches are made with considerations to such things as geographic location, interests, activities and personalities. Matches are carefully monitored and evaluated regularly. Our agency requires a commitment of six months however our average match lasts 28 months.
The school-based Mentors Matter program provides early identification and mentoring for children who are at the highest levels of risk for social and academic failure. This program recruits, trains and supports adult volunteers to work with students who would benefit from the special attention of a School Big Brother or Big Sister. The School Bigs work one-to-one with the students and meet at the school during school hours from October through May. These meetings take place in the library, family center, playground, conference room, or teachers room at the school.
For more information contact BBBS of Snohomish County at 425-252-BBBS. About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Snohomish, a branch of the YMCA of Snohomish County, is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to matching children between the ages of 6 and 14 in a one-to-one relationship with a qualified mentor for the development of positive life skills and social values. By acting as unconditional friends, mentors and role models, our Big Brothers and Big Sisters are helping Snohomish County children reach their highest potential. During 2005, BBBS provided 366 quality community-based matches, and 157 school-based matches throughout Snohomish County.