“Making a Difference, One Child at a Time”

Two youth grow up in the same neighborhood. One becomes successful and the other gets trapped in the temptations that exist.  What was the one difference that separated the two: A STRONG MENTOR!

I recently signed up again to be a ‘Big’ in the Big Brother/Big Sister program.  My ‘Little’ is a beautiful seven-year-old girl and her mother wants her to be around positive influences.  We’ve done a lot of fun things together, including going to the zoo for the World’s Largest Halloween Party (the above pic comes from there with my buddy Willy Wonka – hey, why am I the same height as the oompa loopma?). While we are just starting to get to the point where she will open up and talk to me about things going on in her life, I see the excitement each time I pull up to her door and see her looking out the window anxiously waiting for me to arrive.

I know I am one person that will make a difference to this child.  However, there are other youth in need.  The Big Brother/Big Sister program is in great need for more adult mentors, especially males.  Being a Big Brother or Big Sister is very fun and very easy!

There are several programs that you can pick from. Depending on the Big Brothers Big Sisters program you’re in, you will either meet your Little at his or her school or in the community. See program descriptions below:  Community Program:· Focus on friendship · Visit with your Little 2-3 times per month  · Six month minimum time commitment  · Participate in fun, inexpensive activities OR simply spend time talking and listening to each other  · You can be flexible with the times you set to see your Little  · Be at least 18 years old  · Must have access to transportation or Have own transportation and valid car insurance   School / Site Program: · Work on homework, play games or just talk · Visit with your Little one hour per week · Six months minimum time commitment  · Visit the child on school grounds only  · High school students and adults accepted as volunteers   Sports Buddies Program · Focus on healthy lifestyle activities and FUN  · Visit with your Little two times per month · Six months minimum time commitment  · You can be flexible with the times you set to see your Little  · Must be at least 18 years old  · Must have access to transportation or have own transportation and valid car insurance Couples and families are welcome to volunteer together.  Click here to volunteer or call 502-587-0497. (tell them Michelle Yeager referred you!)

M.Y.  November 2007