Michele Williers Committed to the Mentoring Mission

"You have to be passionate about what you do." The words roll easily off the tongue of Michele Williers., vice president of program services at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson and Union Counties. Williers isn't just talking the talk, she is living it. After working for 10 years with the organization in Tampa Bay, Fla., she noticed a job posting starting a new office in Newark. Going with her passion, she relocated to help make difference for Newark's youth and "serve a community that needed it most."

In August 2008, Williers started in Newark. At the time, she was the second hire in the office with the chief executive officer as the other. The staff of two then went about creating and breathing life into Big Brothers Big Sisters mission "to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with measurable impact." 

Geared for youths aged 5 – 18 Williers stresses "child safety is paramount" when looking at the mentor relationship being built. The organization then creates and supports the match. Both the mentor and mentoree go through a screening process, including a background check. Williers describes it as a very "thoughtful process" where both parties are given the whole spectrum of the commitment and make sure it something they want and understand the parameters. The goal is to "make a great fit."

All a child has to do is want to be mentored. From there a simple application needs to be completed. For the mentor, a one year commitment with at least 4 hours a month is required. Both participants have to be open and want to "engage in the friendship." Williers goes on to state they look for mentors who "really want to make a difference and be committed." The organization also provides lots of support to help foster the friendship and helps the mentor with ideas to assimilate them into the role. 

Williers believes in the positive impact mentoring brings. Having previously worked with juveniles on probation she "saw that side of the house first." She notes "if we can work with them early it makes a big difference." With a mentor she sees children "less likely to use drugs and be in a gang." She also sees an "increased potential of going to college."

As for growing the organization, Williers notes it's all in the "M and M — mentors and money." Currently funded through various donors, grants, foundations and special events, the need for more funding is vital to running, growing and serving the community. Also in need are mentors, especially male mentors. One way they try to attract male mentors is by focusing on a sports buddy program where engaging in a mutual love of a sport and playing together provides a foundation for the relationship.

Currently the organization supports 1,000 youth. Ideally, every child who wanted to have a mentor would have one. Williers see "a lot of good in Newark." She also sees the "need for a more people to step up and be a part of this movement." Williers is impassioned to be a part of that movement and bring others along with her on the journey.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a 108-year old institution. An accredited mentoring organization, there are currently 382 affiliates of the organization, each serving as a stand alone enterprise. For more information on the organization or to sign up to be mentored or a mentor visit their website or call the Newark office at (973) 642-2447.