Big Brothers Big Sisters is about Little Moments, Big Magic.
My husband and I had a chance to be part of the magic of smiles, laughter, long talks and shared memories. Years ago we were a Big Couple through Big Brothers Big Sisters and were matched with a local nine-year-old boy whose father was not part of his life. The emphasis was on spending time together, not money. We saw each other weekly the first year and then less time as we got more acquainted and comfortable in our relationship. We had a lot of fun times together over the years. We played board games, went swimming, took him along on our errands, went to his soccer games, brought him to my husband’s softball games, went to fireworks, a spook walk, and all sorts of other things.
The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is “to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships.” Research indicates that children matched with a Big Brother or Sister are significantly less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs, and have better relationships with their families and peers than children who do not have a Big Brother or Sister.
“The number of new matches has doubled when comparing the last two years,” according to Clyde Shields, Program Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “BBBS’ successful school-based program is credited for the program growth. We have 9 school partners that offer one-to-one mentoring in an after-school group setting.”
There are currently 297 children served this year with an additional 51 children ready to be matched with a community-based volunteer. More volunteers are always needed.
In this time of economic crisis, this program continues to grow and to experience greater need for funds in order to match children with adult volunteers and support those relationships. The cost to match a child and supervise the relationship for one year is approximately $1000 and last year 67% of this budget came from special events.
Bowl For Kids’ Sake is the organization’s annual fundraiser and is going on now. Five member teams are asked to raise a minimum of $100 per bowler.
“This year’s remaining bowling events will take place at Brunswick Zone in Naperville on Wednesday, March 3, and at Parkside Lanes in Aurora on Sunday afternoon on March 7 and later that evening at Funway Bowl in Batavia,” according to Kelly Clason, Assistant Executive Director at Family Counseling Service. “Visit www.aurorabfks.kintera.org to make a donation or sign up to raise donations and come to Bowl For Kids’ Sake.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Kane and Kendall Counties has been a program of Family Counseling Service, a United Way agency, since 1980. Since then, over 2000 children have been paired with a Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Couple, or High School Big. Visit www.aurorabbbs.org to volunteer or get more information or call 630-844-9090.
Volunteer. Be a donor. Your help can make a big difference in the lives of local children.
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