BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS (3/3/15)

Recently, Big Brothers/Big Sisters™ reached-out to Hometown News Atlanta to find new volunteers for their programs. 

"We re a non-profit organization that specialize in mentor programs for at-risk youth," said Mikko Hilderbrandt, Marketing Manager. "We help children ages 6-18 who are facing diversity to meet mentors and set goals and plans for their lives."

In 1904, an observant Ernest Coulter saw a NYC court system packed with troubled young men.  He knew these people needed good mentors, and set-out to find such people.  This began the Big Brothers/Big Sisters™ organization. 

110 years later, and the problem remains.  How do you locate and train adults to be positive role models for troubled youth?

According to Hilderbrandt and others at the organization, it's easier than it sounds.  Most volunteers are asked to make a 1-year commitment.  However, the relationships created are known to last longer.   Close friendships develop  between Mentors and Youth, so many of the pairings become 'like family members' to each other.

"Both groups go through an application process which includes background checks and the need for references," said April Reed, Senior Director of Program Services. "We look at proximity, then a list of other factors like preferences from parents and volunteers.  Then we counsel and determine how we feel about the matches before the parties meet." 

In the process, the Mentor is contacted first, and then later the parent and child is introduced.  They meet  at the Atlanta office for a 'Match Meeting'.  The rooms right off Peachtree and 17th are where great friendships have been made.

The statistics on the success rate of Big Brothers/Big Sisters™as it relates to increasing a child's confidence level and education are phenomenal.  Nearly all of the children in the program go on to Universities and trade schools. 

Big Brothers/Big Sisters™ is asking for valuable Mentors to volunteer.  Contact: http://bbbsatl.org

Ray Macon