Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County Seeks Volunteers

Jamison-BASED Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County is in search of caring volunteers (BIGS) to serve as mentors to at-risk kids (Little’s) in their Community Based Program. The children may be facing a variety of challenges, perhaps they’re being raised in a single-parent home, coping with an incarcerated parent, or the child may have a mother or father deployed in the military, the organization said.

Right now there are more than 500 children across the Bucks County area waiting for a mentor, and most are boys in Lower Bucks. The goal of the 100 Mentors in 100 Days campaign is to encourage more people to get involved, according to a press release.

Little’s are matched one-to-one with carefully-screened adult volunteers, who meet with them few hours a month in the community. Research shows that children, who are matched with Bigs gain greater self-confidence, are more motivated to go to school, create higher goals for their future, and avoid risky behavior, the release states.

Potential volunteers often feel uncertain of their ability to mentor a youth, what to do during their time with a child, and how they could fit mentoring into their schedule, according to the organization.

However, BBBSBC takes care of these concerns by making volunteering flexible and just a couple of hours a month and matches each Big with just the right child for them and supports each pair every step of the way, according to the organization.

“Bigs often tell us they get more out of the experience than they ever thought possible, and the impact of spending time with these kids has proven to contribute to healthier families, better schools, stronger communities and brighter futures for all,” said Ursula Razack, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County. “Often time potential volunteers hesitate because they are worried they will not have enough time, but current Bigs tell us constantly that they never have to worry about the time because they incorporate their Little into activities they already do.”

Big Brother Brian has been a Big twice; his first Little Brother is now in College (pictured) studying to be a lawyer like Brian. When Brian and his Little brother spent time together is wasn’t always basketball games. Sometimes it was cleaning a garage or changing a tire. All activities Brian was going to do anyway. Brian’s Little Brother grew up without anyone being able to show him how to do those simple tasks and skills and they have really helped him grow and develop, the release states.

“Our organization counts on corporations in our community to supply their time, treasure and talent. Working together will make our community stronger and change lives, “said Ursula Raczak, “We have hundreds of kids waiting to be paired with mentors, so if you have ever considered it and thought maybe later, now is the time because these kids really want and need your help to achieve their goals.”

Upcoming information sessions are on August 30th.

If you are interested in volunteering email Shannon at: Shannon@bbbsbc.org