Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina

Goal: $7,500.00

Specific Need

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina is working to see that local children facing adversity are matched with a positive role model: to give them a friend, someone to talk to, and a strong advocate. BBBS programs shows kids what stable and caring people look like, and gives them a safe place to be. The children we serve come from single parent households, qualify for free and reduced lunches, live in poverty, and are at high risk for teen pregnancy, binge drinking, tobacco/drug use, and dropping out of high school. These facts show that there is a major, ongoing, need for our services. However, the need for volunteers always outweighs the number of volunteers available. BBBS recruits adult volunteers; have rigorous and reliable screening practices for adult mentors in order to protect children; and provide consistent oversight, training and support for volunteers. The relationships that children build with their mentor might be their only look into a life that has stability. Now, more than ever our services are needed. Funding will help serve more youth and expand programing now and for years to come.

Mission

Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. By placing a caring adult mentor in the life of a child, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina creates safe, quality relationships that help vulnerable youth beat the odds and reach their full potential through personal and academic achievement.

Profile

In 2022, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina launched two new mentoring programs, Beyond School Walls and Corporate Bigs.

Beyond School Walls-

Beyond School Walls is a program aimed at developing the next generation of employees through one-to-one mentoring relationships. The program, which is part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s national initiative, launched September 8 in partnership with Vortex and Salina Public Schools.

Across the globe, about 40% of employers find it difficult to recruit people with the skills they need for their businesses (The Learning Generation: Investing in Education for a Changing World, 2016). Mentoring can be an integral part of the solution in both better preparing youth for high-demand careers and offering employers a means of engaging and retaining their talented staff.

Beyond School Walls addresses the challenges of preparing youth for post-high school success. Typically, students (called ‘Little Brothers’ or ‘Little Sisters’) from a local high school, spend time with their mentor (called a ‘Big Brother’ or ‘Big Sister’) onsite at the offices of a local business. The Littles have an opportunity to visit a professional workplace setting, and learn about different career opportunities, from financial literacy to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), while developing meaningful relationships with the employee “Big.”

Corporate Bigs-

Corporate Bigs is a program aimed to create impactful, positive friendships that help children build greater self-confidence and reach their potential, while engaging with a child in their school environment. The program launched September 7 in partnership with Bennington State Bank and Salina Public Schools.

As a Corporate Big, Bennington State Bank employees (called a ‘Big Brother’ or ‘Big Sister’) are matched one-to-one to a child (called ‘Little Brothers’ or ‘Little Sisters’) from a local elementary school and spend time together, once per week, at school.

Throughout the school year, these Bigs and Littles will spend one-to-one time together during a day that best fits their schedule. It allows Bigs and Littles individualized time and attention on a consistent basis, with the venue being the child’s school.

Matches in the Corporate Bigs program eat lunch together, have fun at recess, assist with school work, or just catch up all while building a positive friendship.

Community Based Matches-

The community based program matches an adult volunteer to a child, between the ages of 5-17. Together, they share in everyday activities and simple outings a few hours a month. The Big and Little may enjoy activities such as going to the park, going on a bike ride, attending community events or visiting area businesses. During these special outings, Bigs help cultivate relationships that provide their Little with skills to manage every day challenges. Through simple friendships, Bigs experience the joy of helping their Little discover a world of possibilities and opportunities. A friendship will be built that may change your life and a child's life forever.

School Based -

Through school based mentoring, High school Bigs offer Little individualized time and attention on a consistent basis, with the venue being the child’s school rather than the community. Teachers identify those children who can most benefit from an additional caring high school student in their lives. Bigs and Littles meet regularly during the school year, typically each week. Whether they play board games or read the newspaper together, their relationship promotes a positive school experience for the child: good attendance, positive peer and adult relationships, a positive attitude, and academic enrichment.

Match Madness funding helps BBBS of Salina grow and expand the impact of mentoring in the lives of youth of our community now and for years to come.