Leila Tvedt
Contributor
Somewhere in Swain County, on the Qualla Boundary or in any of more than a dozen mountain counties around us, there are “Bigs” matched with “Littles.”
They might be going to the library together; planning a hike, a splash in the creek, a trip to the movies; working on homework or just hanging out after school. You wouldn’t know it just by looking, but you could be seeing connections created by a program called Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.
Program Coordinator Amy Green spoke with members of the Bryson City Rotary Club and explained how BBBS works.
“Bigs” are adult volunteers who are carefully screened for their suitability to work with youngsters. Each adult receives training that will help them succeed as a mentor; each is matched with a Little and proposes activities and outings that both will enjoy. “We have a lot of fun,” said one Rotarian who serves as a Big for a teenager.
“Littles,” whose ages range from six to 17, may be referred to the program by parents/guardians, family members, school counselors, friends or others. After providing information about their child’s needs and interests, parents/guardians are involved in decisions about the match with a Big and any proposed activities.
Bigs and Littles build friendships that can last for years, Green said. In one case, a Big who was matched with a Little in first grade recently attended the Little’s graduation from high school. “That relationship will always be there,” Green predicted.
Research shows the sustained presence of a caring adult in a child’s life produces positive outcomes, including better behavior at school and more eagerness to learn at school as well as improvements in self-confidence and problem solving. It is easy to see, as BBBS says, that, as a Big, “you’re not just making a profound impact in the life of your Little - you are strengthening your community and the world.”
On a more personal level, Green said, adults tell her they receive as much benefit as Littles by helping children reach their potential.
Green said there is a waiting list of eligible children in Swain County. On their behalf, she is seeking men and women who will commit to spending at least one hour a week or two outings each month for a year with Big Brother Big Sister. Of course, you may find that you want to stay even longer as a mentor and role model for your Little.
Get started by contacting graham@bbbswnc.org or sending a text to 828-216-1900.