The Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentoring program introduced this year in Sundre offers youth an opportunity to build up their sense of self worth, said a member of the organization.
In turn, that boost to their self-esteem and confidence will carry on later in their lives to help them become more successful and contributing members of their communities, said Sharron Matthewman, the Sundre and Olds Big Brothers Big Sisters coordinator.
Making a difference in the lives of children is what keeps her motivated to pursue the program and ensure it becomes a permanent and successful service in the community. Seeing the children run down River Valley School's halls with ear-to-ear smiles in anticipation of spending time with their mentors makes it all worthwhile, she said.
The program is important because “it engages people from their community from all ages and stages,” she said.
From retired or partly retired seniors to those who are still working, Big Brothers Big Sisters encourages building connections between mentors and mentees. The program was introduced to Sundre last September but did not get going in the school until January, from which point it lasted through to the end of the school year, she said.
“It went really, really well,” she said, adding that high expectations were met.
The launch of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Sundre was for the organization's school-based program, which involves a one-hour a week session. Although the community-based program takes more time and runs through the summer, there are a few potential mentors who have expressed interest in it, she said.
“People have the opportunity to start where they want. But if they're new, it's good to start with the school-based program and go from there.”
A total of 12 mentors stepped forward in the local school-based program, which is more appealing to new mentors than the community-based program since it only requires a time commitment of one hour a week and also offers a chance to determine whether mentoring might be up their alley, she said.
Barb Jackson, learning support teacher and River Valley School coordinator for BBBS, said there were 10 mentees and that she hoped to see the number of partnerships grow next year. The feedback received from the students, mentors as well as parents has been nothing but positive, she added.
The program offers a great way for people to make community connections, and both the mentors and mentees really benefit. Some of the activities — which are done on school property — include crafts, games, sports and simply enjoying a bite to eat over lunch, she said.
“The kids get so excited to hang out with their mentors,” she said, adding they'll share stories of how they spent their hour.
“They'll see me in the hallway and say, ‘Guess what I did today!'”
Matthewman has set the bar high moving forward and hopes to recruit as many as 50 mentors both in Sundre and Olds for the next school year.
“There's a need in the community for mentors and people are stepping up to the plate and saying, ‘Yeah, I want to make a difference in a child's life.'”
Having previously worked for Family and Community Support Services in Innisfail, Matthewman, who lives east of Sundre, said she was already familiar with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization and could not pass up the opportunity to get involved when it came up.
“I wanted to help get the program off the ground in Sundre and Olds,” she said.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about becoming a mentor and the responsibilities involved is encouraged to contact Matthewman by phone at the Greenwood Neighbourhood Place office, 403-638-1011, or her office in Olds at 587-796-1023, which is not long distance. Alternatively, she can be reached by email at [email protected].
“I can put an application pack together,” she said.
As the safety of the children is paramount, potential mentors are screened by a thorough process that involves an initial interview to learn more about why the individual is interested in becoming a mentor. The school is also heavily involved in the matching process since the staff is far more familiar with the students. Also required are police background checks as well as references, she said.
“Getting somebody into the mentorship program is quite in-depth. The process is actually quite long-winded. At the end of the day, I want to ensure I have as good a match as I can and that both sides will be safe.”
Despite the bureaucratic loopholes to jump through, she said getting involved is well worth the effort.
“Mentoring can bring so many rewards. Just one hour a week can have a huge lifelong lasting impact on a young person.”
