Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
This August, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Big Bend began to re-establish its one-on-one youth mentoring services in Jefferson County. Founded in 1971, BBBS of the Big Bend has been serving Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties for 51 years. Service to youth in Jefferson County occurred in the past, but there was a lapse for some years.
Molly Lord, the new chief executive officer of BBBS of the Big Bend says, “Re-establishing services in Jefferson County is a critical component in serving the Big Bend region and not just focusing on individual counties.”
BBBS wants all youth to achieve their full potential, and its mission is to “create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.” The organization has two models it can use to for its free, volunteer mentoring services: a Community Based Program and a Site Based Program.
Lord approached the Jefferson County School Board about establishing Jefferson County Schools K-12 as the location for Site-Based Program. An agreement to that effect was first presented to the board on July 11, but a vote was tabled until further information could be provided.
In a presentation at the board's regular meeting on Aug. 8, Lord said, “It may sound obvious, but sometimes the best place to help a child realize their potential is at school. Kids enjoy having their Bigs meet with them there, whether it’s in the classroom or on the playground. And parents know what a positive impact it makes. It's teacher approved. Some of the biggest supporters of our Site Based Mentoring program are actually teachers. They see students come back from their time with their Big filled with confidence, smiling big, ready to learn and eager to succeed.”
The presentation included the information that in 2021-2022 BBBS of the Big Bend had served 538 children. Lord explained that BBBS “helps children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities. Our one-to-one matches truly make an impact in children's lives. A Big Brothers Big Sisters’ match is carefully administered and held to the strictest standards. We strive for matches that are not only safe and well suited to each child’s needs, but also harmonious and built to last.”
She pointed out that BBS provides ongoing support, supervision, training and advice to help ensure that each match between a “Big” and a “Little” is working for everyone involved. In a survey of youth who participated in the program, BBBS of the Big Bend found that 94 percent of Littles said they have gained a lot or some confidence in their school work; 86 percent said they felt positive about their future; and 52 percent are less likely to skip school. In addition, 92 percent of children/parents served said they are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their relationship with their Big.
Public discussion by the board of the proposed mentoring program has included Board Chair Gladys Roaan-Watson recalling having had a positive experience many years ago as a BBBS mentor and sharing that she still keeps in touch with the person she mentored to this day. Questions were raised about whether having BBBS in the area might have an effect on other organizations that offer mentoring, such as Jefferson County Young Boyz to Men. Confirmation was provided that the program was free to the county and voluntary for the participants. Slides of the full presentation are available for viewing as an online attachment to the Aug. 8 meeting agenda, using the go.boarddocs.com link on the jeffersonschools.net website.
After time to review the presentation and hear from constituents, the Jefferson County School Board approved an agreement with BBBS of the Big Bend at its Aug. 17 Special Meeting. Board Members Roaan-Watson, Sandra Saunders and Bill Brumfield voted in favor of the agreement. Board Member Shirley Washington voted against approving the agreement, after sharing that she had concerns following a conversation with someone who had been in the program. Board Member Charles Boland was not in attendance.
Lord says that JCS teachers have now been given the opportunity to help identify students who might benefit from BBBS mentoring services, using a BBBS referral form.
“Teachers only identify,” emphasizes Lord. “Our trained staff make matches of our youth and mentors. Parents also will have to agree to our free services for their child.”
The program needs local mentors to work with any identified youth who are interested and whose parent(s) agree to services.
Basic volunteer requirements are as follows:
* Be at least 18 years of age
* Be willing to commit to meeting regularly with your Little (at least four hours per month) for the school year
* Participate in a volunteer orientation (at your own pace from anywhere)
* Take the required online pre-match training course (at your own pace from anywhere)
* Provide three to four references
* Consent to a background check
Volunteers also must consent to a personal interview.
Studies show that children who have mentors (aka, positive role models) are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and are less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol. Students who are successful in school are less likely to drop out, abuse drugs or commit crimes.
To apply to be a BBBS Big, visit www.bigbendmentoring.org