Positive Match Experience

I have a positive match in our Career Skills Mentoring Program (CSMP) to share with everyone. The Career Skills Mentoring Program (CSMP) matches youth with mentors in a working environment, and children are matched based on their career/vocational interests with local business mentors. The program helps youth in several ways, for example: by allowing youth the opportunity to work in different work environments, develop positive work ethics, such as job skills, having a sense of belonging, learning problem solving skills, and creating positive relationships with skilled mentors. The program enhances the youth’s self esteem by allowing them to earn a wage while working with their mentors, and developing marketable job skills.

The match I will share is both positive and inspiring because the “Little Sister” (Little) and her “Big Sister” (Big) have developed a significant bond while working together at “Big’s” worksite. Interestingly, the “Big” is a single parent herself, and she understands the struggles and challenges involved with single parenting from experience. So when the opportunity to mentor someone became available, this “Big” jumped right in and signed up as a business mentor. She saw this opportunity as a way to help someone in a positive way, without even having to leave her workplace! (This program is a great opportunity for those who want to mentor, but are not able to devote volunteering time outside of work).

This “Big” always encourages her “Little” to do her best at whatever task she is working on, whether it has to do with work, academics, or something else. The “Little” respects her “Big” and she knows her Big has “Little’s” best interest in mind. Because of the relationship they share, “Little” will often ask for and listen to her “Big’s” good advice. “Big” holds her “Little” accountable by periodically requesting to see “Littles” grades, homework, and progress reports. “Big” offers her “Little” assistance whenever needed, and she stresses to “Little” the importance of an education. “Big” proudly reported to Case Manager that her “Little” passed the F-CAT exams recently, and will be promoted to the 9^th grade in the fall!

Not surprisingly, “Little Sister” is now considering the possibility of remaining with her “Big Sister” working as a volunteer at “Bigs” worksite. During a recent follow-up visit Case Manager spoke to director at “Big’s department and he welcomes the idea of “Little” remaining as a volunteer. He told Case Manager that “Little Sister” is very well liked by staff, and she is a very good worker. If “Little” continues going to the worksite as a volunteer for a few hours a week, “Little” can continue to receive “Big’s” support, guidance and advice.

Furthermore, “Little Sister” will also continue to develop professional relationships, and positive work skills that will be beneficial in the future.

Thank you for your interest,

Sincerely, 

Susan Getlik
Case Manager
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Martin County

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Please send us your letters to info@mentorbig.org and tell us about you or your child's mentoring experience!