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COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAM
Community-Based mentoring is included in the Traditional Big
Brothers Big Sisters Program and has been in existence in the
Marshfield Area for almost 40 years. In the Traditional Program
we provide positive role models and friendship for children ages
6-14 through a one-to-one relationship with an adult. Volunteers
must be at least 18 years of age and agree to commit to a few
hours a week in a year-long match, but it is hoped the friendship
that develops will last a lifetime. Matching is based on
interests, personality, geographic location, needs and expectations
to ensure the best possible compatibility between the mentor and
child. Staff has regular contact between the parent, child, and
volunteer for the duration of the match. The mentors are not
parent substitutes, but give the child a sense of worth by letting
he or she know someone else takes the time to care.
-- Learn More About This Program
SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAM
School-Based mentoring is a part of our School Buddy Program and
focuses on improving the self-esteem, attendance, and academic
achievements of children 6-14. Volunteers are matched in a
one-to-one relationship with a child who has been referred to us
by a teacher, guidance counselor or parent who feels the child
could benefit from a mentoring relationship or a positive adult
role model. Both mentor and child make a school year commitment
to the program and agree to meet at least one-half to 1 hour
every week at the child's school to help provide extra attention
and support. The meeting times may occur before, during or
after school. Partnerships with area school districts allow
volunteers to pick an elementary school of their choice to make
it as convenient as possible. A School Buddy Coordinator works
closely with volunteers, parents, and school social workers or
guidance counselors to establish and monitor goals and objectives
for each relationship.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America recently compared different
types of school-based mentoring programs and found that those that
focused on social/emotional development had a greater positive
impact on children's grades that those programs focused on
tutoring! (2005)
-- Learn More About This Program
TO INQUIRE ABOUT EITHER OF THE PROGRAMS SIMPLY CALL OR
CONTACT OUR OFFICE:
Feel free to contact us
with questions and/or comments.
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