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BBBS Nevaeh and Marcia
Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Have you ever wanted to help youth in our community and set a positive example in their lives?
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Swain County is recruiting more mentors for the highly successful program.
BBBS Swain County Program Coordinator Shelby Hyatt explained the program is currently looking to take on new volunteers.
“Being a Big Brother/Sister is getting paired with a child to mentor and give them opportunities that they may not have otherwise,” Hyatt said. “When matched with their Big, Littles gain a role model, a friend and access to new experiences through which they build higher aspirations for their lives.”
Hyatt said these relationships provide them with the support they need to achieve academic improvement, grow in self-confidence, development of life skills, and reward mentors with the experience of being an integral part of that young person’s success.
A successful example of the program is Big Sister Marcia, and Little Sister Nevaeh, who are celebrating seven years of friendship!
They were matched when Nevaeh was just seven years old and she is now 14. Hyatt said the two still enjoy spending time together and talking about life and that Marcia looks forward to seeing Nevaeh graduate, first middle school then high school. Nevaeh says she has learned a lot from Marcia and enjoys hanging out with her, Hyatt said.
Mentors or “Bigs” must be 18 years or older but there is also a high school program that allows 16 year old to become Bigs. Bigs meet with their Little for a few hours, a couple times a month. They do all kinds of activities together like go on hikes, do art projects, and participate in BBBS planned activities.
In a few months, Big Brothers Big Sisters will be hosting their annual bowling event on March 25th at Galaxy Lanes and Games in Sylva.
“We invite the community to come out to bowl and support a great cause,” Hyatt said. “Your support will allow us to continue to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth and ensure that our programs are innovative and strong! Please consider making a difference in a child’s life today!”
If you are interested in volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters or becoming a supporter of our organization, please contact Shelby Hyatt, program coordinator, at 828-736-0341 or shelbyh@bbbswnc.org.