Volunteers to mark 35 years of mentoring children

Big Brothers & amp; Big Sisters will mark the anniversary with several special events.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- For 35 years, Big Brothers & amp; Big Sisters has been providing love and friendship to boys and girls throughout the Mahoning Valley.
By pairing adult volunteers with children ages 7 to 15, the nonprofit agency works to make a positive difference in the lives of those children, primarily through a one-on-one mentoring program.
"That will always be the core of what we do," explained Brian Higgins, executive director of Big Brothers & amp; Big Sisters, which has offices on North State Street, Girard.
The local Big Brothers & amp; Big Sisters agency started in October 1969. At that time, only boys were matched with male volunteers ages 18 and older, but by 1977 the organization grew to include girls.
The national big Brothers & amp; Big Sisters organization started in 1904 in Cincinnati and is considered the oldest and largest youth mentoring program in the United States. By 2002, 470 agencies throughout the country served more than 200,000 youths in more than 5,000 communities.
About the program
Through the mentoring program, adult volunteers are screened and trained to assist children by spending time together and forming a relationship to last a lifetime.
Currently, Higgins said, 136 boys and girls in Mahoning and Trumbull counties are matched with adults. But there are more than 70 children on a waiting list, hoping to be placed through the agency.
"Most of those waiting are boys," he said. "We just can never have enough volunteers."
Those on the waiting list are not left out, Higgins noted. Several times a year, the agency sponsors special events or field trips to include all children registered with the agency, not just those who have already been matched.
Celebration events
In marking the agency's 35th anniversary in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, the agency will host a recognition dinner in October for current and past volunteers and participants. Other special events are also in the planning stages, which Higgins hopes will make the public aware of the need for the mentoring program, as well as other programs and opportunities available.
One program recruits high school volunteers who are matched with children in their school district. The program started six years ago in the Sebring school district and has continued to grow each year, Higgins noted.
Students spend time with the children, whether it's sitting with them at lunch, taking them to a football game or helping with homework a few hours a week.
"It's not as intimate as our mentoring program, but statistics show every little bit works," Higgins said.
The staff also is working on several fund-raising events to help with money and getting the agency's name out to the public, he said.
A golf scramble is scheduled for August, and the annual Bowl for Kids' Sake bowl-a-thon takes place every spring. The agency also is funded through grants from local foundations, United Way and donations.
Personnel needed
Big Brothers & amp; Big Sisters is not only looking for volunteers to serve as mentors, Higgins said, but also volunteers to serve on the board of directors. Especially needed, he added, are minority volunteers and board members.
While some volunteers spend eight hours with their Little Brother or Sister on a weekend day, Higgins said the staff will work with any interested persons to fit in around their schedule.
"We count everything from phone calls to e-mails," he said. "If it's only dinner for a few hours one night, a phone call a couple of other nights and a visit on the weekend, everything counts and makes a difference."
Those interested in volunteering can contact Big Brother & amp; Big Sisters of the Mahoning Valley at (330) 545-0002, or check the Web site at www.bbbsmv.com.
shslaulis@vindy.com