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Home My WebLink AboutTimes Advocate, 1998-02-11, Page 13Second Section - February 11, 1998 Ever thought of being a Big Brother or Big Sister? Executive director Dianne Beach brings a wealth of social services experience to her position with South Huron Big Brothers/Big Sisters. By Kate Monk T -A Reporter EXETER - Big Brothers and Biii.,S�isters make a big difference and their impacts on children are profound. The'following statistics arc from the national Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization: •- 'Links' (children under the agc of 17 who have Big Brothers/Sisters) gni on to graduate from high school at a rate of 20 per cent higher than the national average. 78 per cent of 'Littles' who came from a social assistance background no longer rely on this form of income. - A. disproportionately high number of former 'Links' graduate from college or university compared to others in this age group. - Currently more than 9.600 children arc matched to adults in one:to- one programs. 6.400 children are on waiting lists. South Huron Big Brothers/Big Sisters has been serving the community for more than 20 years. While Big Brothers started in 1977, Big Sisters was .6 r ed live years later. The agency provides direct service to children by matching adults and kids in quality one=to-one relationships. Agency staff screen volunteers and match them with a child of similar. interests. - New executive director Dianne Beach, the new executive director for South Huron Big Brothers/Big Sisters brings a wealth of axial work and business experi- ence to her new post. She has worked at the Children's Aid Society as well as Community and Social Services. Most recently. she worked with Wingham Psychiatric Services. But this is not a full time position. Beach also runs an internet research_ company from her home in Goderich Township. She said her position with Big Brothers/Big Sisters is a "nice blend of business and social work." Her first priority is to raise awareness of the agency and what it has to offer to the community. — a real need exists for its services in South Huron. Beach said the time rcquirethents for Big Brothers/Sisters (also known as 'Bigs'l used to he very rigid: adults had to make a time commitment of three to four hours each week. The new • anyone from the community including: business people, skilled trades and craftspeople, seniors, homemakers, members of service clubs or co-op stu- dents 18 years. of agc and over. The mentor is not a tutor or counsellor hut. is -there to provide -friendship and to be a role model for the child. Through this friendship, the child is encouraged to feel good about oneself and others. The program has-been offered withing the U.S. and Canada for several years. Results indicate children involved in this type of program show increased self=esteem, unproved school attendance and performance as well as increased motivation. • South. Huron Big Brothers/Big Sisters conducts the -recruit- ment. screening. selection and training of mentors. As a part or this training. the mentor and the student participate in a Sexual Ahuse.Prevention Program.- Students are selected through each - participating school and then matched with their par= Olga ticular mentor. All matches are monitored and are involved in an on-going evaluation process: 11 the program goes well at the pilot schools. it could' .4441* he expanded to other -Huron County schools. She hopes 5At{usinesses will get involved by promoting and supporting employee participation. -"It's a feel good kind of job for mentors -to go out there," -- Beach explained. • • • - • requirements arc geared more to what's going on- "►t in the 'Big's' life while still maintaining a relationship with a child. The rewards of being a 'Big' are extensive. Beach says it expands an adult's world and opens doors -into new arras of interest. As well, the Little Brothers/Sisters "bring a lot of joy into your life." • - She said the 'Bigs' and 'Littles' often develop a life-long friendship - which lasts beyond -the time when a child leaves theprogram at age 17. 'Bigs' are an important influence in a child's life and their outlook on the world which has a ripple effect on the family and the community. "A Big Brother/Sister is putting a major investment into the commu- nity," explained Beach.. To become a 'Big', a person must he age 18 or older, willing to give a few hours per week for at least one year and he ahlc to offer time and friendship, with no financial obligation. Little Brothers/Sisters are 6-16 years old from single -parent homes -and are in need of a friend and role model. Once a 'Big' and 'Little' enter into the relationship, they are not on their own Beach provides advice and assistance as needed to help the pair. In -school mentoring program Beach is also working on a new in -school mentoring program. McCurdy. Stephen and.Usbornc public schools are the pilot sites for this new program. Its goal is tri help children with their self-esteem and confi- dence needed for them to achieve their full potential. 11 is hoped by building sell --esteem: the student -will stay in school and have better opportunities in life. - - . "In=school mentoring is an opportunity to personally make a difference in the Iifc.of a child within your cc'mnunity, "Bcach•said. It's a one-to-one relationship hetween a student and an adult volunteer. The volunteer -and .student meet for .one hour each week during school hours at the child's school for the duration of the. school year. Mentors and students arc matched based on mutual interests. These activities include physical activities, sports, participating in games, reading together. making things or talking together. The mentor is an advocate to encourage life-long learning and could he Would you Iik a colour or black and white copy of a photograph? ING'i 1N NOW pFFE �FFE COLOUR HSE SIE 2x11► sheets onto 8-1 / Sized 4 C ost $2.00 each �1 1 of same COpy) .00 each (additional 424 Main St. Exeter. (519) 235-1331 • More board members needed South Huron Big Brothers/Big Sisters covers southern Huron County; Gland Bend and the northern portion of Middlesex including Parkhill. With such a large area. Beach said it's important to have representation from all communities. The hoard has an immediate need for members from Bayfield and Parkhill. Local board Members arc Rob Snell, Jim Chapnrytn. Mary Ann Cooper, Ron Anderson, Marg Gilbert. Bonnie Baynham and Mark Jones: A board member contributes a few hours each month. for meetings. Although Bayfield and Parkhill citizens arc needed, the hoard would welcome people from throughout the arca. - There arc also openings on ad hoc and standing committees. Committee • members arc not required to attendhoard of directors meetings. To get involved in any of the Big Brother/Big Sister ,programs, call Beach at 235-3307. She is in_the ExetcrolTicc on Wednesdays and checks her messages daily from her hcirne. The Soli Huron Big Brothers/Big Sisters Celebrity Bowlathon will be held Sunday, March 8 at the Town and Country Lanes in Zurich from 1-4:30 p.m. Look for more details 4,1' in next week's T.A. 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