March 13 Luncheon Program: "Big Brother and Big Sister Mentoring" by Patty Henry, Director of Development - Special Events for Big Brother and Big Sister.

March 13 Program: Patty Henry, Director of Development presented an inspiring talk on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Morris, Bergan, Passaic & Sussex, INC. She was introduced by Doug Bryant.

The organization is a national one-on-one mentoring program which started over 100 years ago.  In North Jersey, they have been in operation for 45 years. They establish lasting relationships between adult volunteers and children of single parents. This process makes a meaningful improvement in the lives of the children (and the volunteers). Their mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-on-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

The process of developing a volunteer (who is called a “Big”) includes analysis of applications, interviewing candidates and doing background and reference checks. Bigs are asked to commit for at least one year of meeting in the community with their brother or sister (who is called a “Little”) at least once a week for 3-5 hours.

Children (ages 7 through 13) also go through an application and interview process.  All are from single parent homes, which is why they need an older brother or sister. When accepted, they are put on a waiting list to be matched with a same sex Big in the same local area.

After a year of being matched, Little Brothers and Sisters are more confident in their school work, get along better with their families, are less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol and less likely to skip school.

Patty showed a video of children in the local organization talking about their Bigs. The video was very touching. The audience applauded the fine work of the program.

She went on to invite people in the audience to become a Big. She left information sheets for people to read. In some areas Key Club members in high schools can volunteer to mentor nearby elementary school children.

The organization serves over 500 children in the four counties. Staff members keep track of the mentoring process, which lasts an average of two years. Waiting lists are long. Big Brothers & Big Sisters wants to raise more funds in order to meet the needs of children who are applying. Check out their website www.northjerseybigs.org for more information.