HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes 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
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(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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