High School Big Buddy Mentors Needed to Make Big Impact in the Lives of Local Children

Big Buddy Mentor: Jenna Gnade of Greenville and
Little Buddy Aleiha Fenton, daughter of Kim Bierly of Greenville.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County is excited to announce that another great year is in the works for the Big Buddies after-school program. This is the fiftenth year the program has been in place. The Buddies program is a nine-month commitment where high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors volunteer to work with and mentor elementary aged children two times per month. During these meetings the high school students, under the supervision of Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, work with one or two children on different educational and recreational activities. The program continues to promote social and educational enhancing activities, as well as personal safety and anti-bullying curriculm.

High school mentoring programs have become a widespread component of many nationally affiliated Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies. Studies prove that children from who spend time with a positive role model are more likely to become healthy, productive adults. The Big Buddies program has proven beneficial not only for the “Littles” but for the high school volunteers as well.

In addition to our after-school program, the agency has over 100 community-based matches throughout Shelby and Darke County. These matches meet together twice a month for outings which are planned around the volunteer’s schedule. The goal of the community-based program is to match a local child with an adult mentor, who can serve as a positive role model, and expose the child to enhancing and uplifting activities. There are still over 15 children waiting for a Big Brother or Sister in the program, so now is the time to think about how you could make a difference in the life of a child! If you are interested in becoming a mentor in our High School Buddies program or the community-based program, please call 547-9622 or 492-7611 or logon to our website at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a United Way member agency and an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. If you would like more information about how to become a volunteer, you may visit the agency web site at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org or call the Sidney office at (937)492-7611 or the Greenville office at (937)547-9622.