BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD BIGS
by Pedro Sempertegui of Tallahassee Grapevine
The Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Big Bend is a familiar name for many of us who've thought about helping the youth in Tallahassee. For those of you who aren't privy to what the organization is about, their goal is to provide children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported one-on-one relationships that will change their lives forever. Since every child isn't born with the same opportunities, or even given the knowledge of these opportunities, Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BBBS) helps to show them a better future. They make it their mission to help children in need realize their potential.
BBBS is a living and growing organization whose office reaches far beyond the walls of its headquarters on East Tennessee Street. With the important mission that focuses on ensuring the prosperity of our future generations, BBBS utilizes the only people who can make a big difference in these children's lives; the men and women of our community. Since there are a lot of children out there waiting to become Littles, BBBS is always looking for men and women who want to become Bigs.
The primary service delivered to the kids in the program is through the one-on-one time that goes on between the child and the mentor. It's mainly about the personal time spent with one another that helps to inspire and instill hope. BBBS has two main programs that they offer for the children: one is a school based program, and the other is community based. Both of these programs are only for those volunteers who are able to meet the 12 month commitment because the matches are supposed to give the child a sense of stability. Many of the kids in the program come from troubled homes (85% of kids come from broken homes, 80% come from low income homes, 25% have parents that are in prison) so relationships lasting less than the full year would actually be more detrimental to the children than helpful.
The school based program works with a large portion of the children involved with BBBS and is offered through eight different schools in Leon County. Signing up for this program ensures that the Big visits their Little once a week for about an hour at a time at the child's school. The planning will be worked out beforehand so that the child's school schedule can match up with the mentor's. It doesn't end before summer either. The two will also stay in contact periodically throughout the summer so that the progress doesn't get lost under the excitement of being out of school.
The community based program has the child and the mentor meeting at least twice a month for a total of four hours collectively, but it is not unusual for the Bigs to exceed that requirement.
I had a chance to speak with one such Big Brother. Michael Himmel works at Van Allen Insurance by day but uses his free time to volunteer with BBBS and various other organizations. He's been matched up with his Little, Ryan (age 13) since January 11th of 2010. They hang out about once a week for 3 or 4 hours at a time.
Some people might have some worries about what it takes to be a mentor, but it doesn't take a miracle to positively affect a child's life. BBBS makes a point in saying “It's not about spending money, it's about spending time.” Michael takes time out of his schedule to spend with Ryan throwing a ball around, or going to see the FSU football games and basketball games, or doing homework. The possibilities are vast and don't have to cost very much money at all.
"My ultimate goal is to see Ryan successful and to see him contribute to society." says Big Brother Michael Himmel, "You try and catch them before the world puts negativity on them."
I met with Merridith Crowe, Development Director at the Big Brothers Big Sisters here in Tallahasee. When asked what it takes to be a "Big" she responded, "People are often intimidated by what it would require to be a good role model. By and large I tell individuals that you are helping kids who are geographically isolated, who don't necessarily have hopes for the future, who haven't really thought about going to college, who are not succeeding academically or socially, to envision a better future for themselves. We're not necessarily talking about kids going on to be rocket scientists, although it does happen. We're just trying to help kids who are currently at risk of going down a very dangerous path to find a path that is more constructive and more positive and ultimately more rewarding for them."
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Big Bend is a donor supported volunteer organization so they do accept donations. They're always raising money to support the matches that they have and those that they'll gain. “Bowl for Kids' Sake” is their largest annual fundraiser. It is going to be held at the Crenshaw Lanes in FSU's Oglesby Union. Their goal this year is to raise $35,000, so come out and show some support. There's going to be games, food, raffles and more. It all happens on Saturday April 16th. For those who donate $1,000 or more, there is a VIP night the Thursday before on April 14th.
Interested in Becoming a BIG and Finding Your LITTLE? Contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend today.
Tags: Tallahassee Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentor Kids
