Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County Initiates New Site-Based Mentoring Programs in Ypsilanti and Seeks Volunteer Bigs

Posted: Apr 26, 2012 at 11:16 AM [Apr 26, 2012]

 

Ann Arbor, MI – April 16, 2012 – Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Washtenaw County has started site-based mentoring programs at Parkridge Community Center and Strong Tower Ministries in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and they are looking for volunteers to be part of this exciting collaboration.

 

In 2011 with community need increasing, BBBS established its first site-based mentoring program. The program is designed to provide volunteers with a hybrid model that brings together both aspects of Community Based and School Based mentoring.  Volunteers visit the site twice a month and participate in group activities – team building games, sports, and workshops – then Bigs and Littles engage in one-on-one mentoring activities.

 

The site is typically a community center, recreation facility, or building where kids coalesce after school. This is not only convenient for the kids’, but it fosters a communal environment, allowing volunteers and kids to remain on site and interact with other Bigs and Littles from their community.

 

Restoration Inc. (Strong Tower Ministry’s Nonprofit), provides food and organizes a ‘share time’, which allows kids to reflect on their academic, art, or athletic accomplishments since their last meeting.  The Bigs and Littles then have one-on-one time to play games, or work on homework. "I like coming here because my big brother is really cool and the food is good too!,” said one of the Little Brothers that was recently matched at Strong Tower.

 

The site-based programs at Parkridge Community Center and Strong Tower Ministries are just another way BBBS is continuing to serve more youth in Washtenaw County. “The site-based model is a way for us to make mentoring programs accessible to more kids’; some that may have otherwise not been referred to our organization. It’s a proactive way for us to serve more kids in need of a supportive, and caring adult mentor,” says Program Supervisor Chad Allee.

 

BBBS needs volunteer Big Brothers and Sisters to help expand their new site-based programs in Ypsilanti. Site-based volunteers give a child the invaluable gift of friendship by simply spending a few hours with them each month.

 

For more information about the site-based mentoring programs contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 734.975.0933, or email inquiry@bbbswashtenaw.org.