FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2019 Bigs Launching “30 Bigs in 30 Days” Campaign
TRAVERSE CITY — September 18, 2019 . . .Big Brothers Big Sisters (Bigs) is launching the “30 Bigs in 30 Days” campaign to recruit 30 new mentors in October. With 75 children currently on the waitlist, Bigs is hoping to raise awareness about the need for more men and women in the community to step up and become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child in need.
More than 6,000 children in our region are in need of a mentor to call their own. Bigs and Littles meet a minimum of four to six hours a month. In-person training is provided to mentors and Bigs professional staff are available every step of the way to offer customized support.
“We all had someone in our lives, other than a parent, who made a difference to us,” said Executive Director Cecilia Chesney. “This is what you can do for a child in our program. It’s really pretty simple; it’s a matter of making yourself available on a consistent basis. It’s showing you care. It’s having fun with a child. It’s listening to them talk about whatever is going on in their lives. It’s a series of small, teachable moments that, in the end, make a BIG difference,” she said.
Bigs encourages local businesses, service groups, and corporations interested in providing volunteer opportunities to their members and staff to contact the agency for further information.
“A little bit of the concern that I had when I signed up was whether or not I could make this time commitment,” said Big Brother Taylor Hawkins. “Bigs was very clear to me and my Little Brother what the commitment meant; meeting two times a month for a few hours each time, doing low to no-cost activities. It’s very manageable, and very rewarding.”
When a child in need is matched with a mentor, someone who spends time with them on a consistent basis, someone who listens, and someone who cares, their entire world changes, they begin to discover opportunities and possibilities they never dreamed existed. They begin to believe in themselves. Their attendance and academic performance improves; their willingness to try new things and make new friends significantly increases; and they are on their way to becoming self-reliant, independent young adults with an exciting future ahead of them. Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more can visit Bigsupnorth.com/volunteer. Groups or organizations who may want to help may contact Krista Goldman, Director of Mentoring at Krista.Goldman@Bigsupnorth.com 231.946.2447 ext 223.
# # #
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Director of Mentoring
(231) 946-2447 ext 223
Krista.Goldman@bigsupnorth.org
—
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan
Since 1970, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been matching youth in meaningful, enduring, professionally supported mentoring relationships with adult volunteers who defend their potential and help them achieve their biggest possible futures. Bigs’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Learn how to get involved at Bigsupnorth.com