(Macon Co, NC August 2023) As the new school year kicks off, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina (BBBSWNC) is excited to continue serving children and families in Macon Co. Over the last three years the program has provided caring mentorships for more than 40 children across the county, and this year is gearing up to support even more matches.
BBBSWNC provides one-to-one, professionally supported mentorships between caring adults and youth who may be facing adversity in some way, or simply need a champion in their lives; an extra person to call on and will lend an ear. Mentorships build on the strengths and interests each child carries and empowers that young person to reach their fullest potential! The program provides opportunities for matches to experience new life skills like how to change a tire, try new activities such as riding the train, and broaden knowledge in addition to the outings and meetings each match may have together.
You may be asking yourself how you can get involved with BBBSWNC.
High School Bigs spend an hour a week at an elementary school, working with a student on schoolwork, providing homework help and facilitating social/emotional learning. Once approved, volunteer High School Bigs are matched with Littles who love the attention and the company of a caring teenager who is supported along the way. This unique opportunity also provides an avenue for the High School student to build their college and career resumes while improving their leadership and soft skills during their Junior and Senior academic years.
School-based Bigs are adults who also meet at a school for an hour with their grade-school Little. They too provide homework help, academic support, and social/emotional growth. Littles in this program typically show an improvement in academic performance and an increased desire to learn.
Community-based Bigs are approved to take their Little out at least twice a month for experiences the child might not otherwise have. The outings can be as simple as ice cream and a walk around the park. But they can also be visits to museums, concerts, science exhibits, or anything that helps the Little explore potential interests.
Bigs (mentors) don’t have to be perfect. They just have to be consistent, showing up at regular, scheduled times to spend an hour or so with an inquisitive young person who needs an extra cheerleader in their corner. Bigs are regular people living regular lives. They aren’t heroes, but they’re heroic in what they do for their Littles. Anyone screened successfully by BBBSWNC can be a Big. Macon has lots of great kids waiting for their “person” with a big heart. BBBSWNC thoroughly vets and supports all Bigs and helps them work with caregivers to bring out the best in every child.
BBBSWNC of Macon County also needs people to serve on a Community Committee representing the greater Franklin area. Council members help organize fundraisers and solicit services and donations on behalf of the agency. As advocates and champions of BBBSWNC’s mission, they reach out to businesses and individuals to enlist their support in helping Macon County’s children and young adults.
Let’s Go Back Big for our Macon County children and families this school year! To learn more, contact Program Director Danielle Hernandez at cashiers@bbbswnc.org or (828) 399-9133.
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