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Mentors, role models and friends
to young people from single parent homes
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Big Brothers Big Sisters serves Martin County children
by matching them with professionally supervised volunteers who
act as friends and mentors. Most children are school aged, and
many come from single parent homes, or are being raised by
grand parents or guardians.
Our
service to local children is rated "excellent" and
"outstanding" by program evaluators. Volunteers range from
teens to people in their 80's. There's many ways to volunteer.
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Elevating expectations and giving realistic hope
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A rewarding experience for you and your new
friend.
Adult volunteers
What's better than a
great golf score, sharing jokes in the clubhouse and a satisfying
swing? Being a Big Brother or Big Sister to a kid who genuinely
needs you. Think back in your life. Remember that someone who helped
you - without asking anything in return? Now you can give back. Most
volunteers call it magical - the satisfying feeling they get from
seeing their kids change their outlook, their goals, or just their
habits.
It's all about
just having fun, talking and listening, and sharing a gift of a
lifetime of experience and wisdom with a youngster. As little as one
hour a week is a helping hand in a young life that may be looking
for answers and stability.
Teen volunteers
A high school Big is
simply a student in high school - a "school-based" mentor - who
volunteers as a Big Brother or Big Sister to a younger child. If you
are age 17 or a bit older, you'll be helping to guide a younger
person and show them that having fun can also mean achievement. Your
horizons are wider not just because you are taller, and you have a
lot to offer: energy, enthusiasm, caring, creativity. A bonus is
earning community service hours, working with other teens in "The
Think BIG Club", and becoming a Hero to a kid. Little kids are proud
of having a "big kid" as a friend.
Some of the
things to do together at school are: read a book, do homework, play
a game in the gym, or just talk or listen. It takes less time than
you think, on average a once a week get together or every other week
for two hours. The duration of the match is often one school year.
Our teens work
with elementary school youngsters only. They do not go off site with
a child and are supervised by a case manager.
Not sure if being a mentor is for You?
Apprehensive how to
interact with a youngster?
Check our
calendar
and
pick a date to attend an informal volunteer orientation session - no
obligation. Or just call Jodi Young at (772) 283-8373. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization.
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