Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southern Maine is Looking for Mentors, Be a Big

Big Brothers/Big Sister of Southern Maine is putting out the call for mentors. There are many Maine boys waiting for a Big Brother, can you help?

One third of Maine's kids are living in an economically struggling, single-parent home. Research shows that extra support from a mentor makes a positive and lasting influence on children's lives.

The mission of Big Brothers/Big Sisters is to provide strong, professionally supported 1-on-1 relationships to kids facing adversity, to change their lives for the better, forever. Meaningful, monitored matches are made between "littles" who are aged 7 to 17 and "Bigs", volunteers who commit to developing a lasting and positive relationship with a child.

Here are some basics about becoming a "Big":

• It's at least a one year commitment from the time of the match
• Plan outings with your little every week or every other week
• The volunteer picks up the little at their home and then spend time in their community participating in activities that they both enjoy
• Ongoing support is provided by the organization for you, the little and their guardian
• There is also a site-based program and peer program

I recently interviewed Nicole Avery, Executive Director and Eileen Brown, Development Director of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Southern Maine. Here's that interview: