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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is looking for volunteers to mentor at-risk New Haven students. Read their full press release below.
New Haven Volunteers Urgently Needed for Mentoring Programs
NEW HAVEN – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBS of CT) is immediately seeking adult volunteers to mentor at-risk students in New Haven.
Volunteers, or Bigs, are needed throughout Connecticut to mentor youth, or Littles, in New Haven at the Truman School and Booker T. Washington Academy.
Mentors in BBBSCT’s site-based programs offer one-to-one guidance by meeting weekly with at-risk children for staff-facilitated program sessions. Mentors engage in fun and educational activities with their mentees that facilitate character building and relationship development, including schoolwork help, arts & crafts, and field trips.
“The kids in our site-based programs really benefit from having a mentor who is there for them and believes in them,” said Julie Correira, Senior Site-Based Specialist at the Truman School. “As a site-based volunteer, you meet weekly with a student in the classroom where you can help them with schoolwork, play games, and get to know them. Mentees gain confidence and do better in school, and mentors make a positive difference in a young person’s life.”
The Truman School mentoring program runs on Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. The Booker T. Washington Academy program runs on Mondays from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m.
“It’s a great opportunity for volunteers to get involved in mentoring kids of various ages. The program focuses on starting a friendship, providing guidance to at-risk youth in Connecticut, and helping them reach their potential,” said Shasity Rios, Director of School & Site-Based Programs. “The benefits of being a mentor in our site-based program include having fun while achieving personal growth, improving your self-esteem, and knowing you are making a difference in someone’s life.”
Volunteers who wish to become site-based mentors must have the potential and capability to be a positive role model for a child. Volunteers must commit to in-person mentoring for one hour per week through the entirety of the school year, and complete an enrollment process, including mentor training. In addition, an in-person interview and one-time pre-match training session are required.
Visit Be a Big – New – Big Brothers Big Sisters of CT to learn more about mentoring.