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OAKLAND — Eleven-year-old Billy Dias doesn’t care what he and his Big Brother Camden Bock do each week, as long as they do it together. For the last five years, Camden, 27, of Orono, and Billy, have met up to ride bikes in the summer, sled in the winter, and sometimes go geocaching — anything that involves being outside. Their long-standing friendship is part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine’s youth mentoring program in which 75 children ages 5 to 14 are waiting to be matched with a mentor. A large number of them are boys waiting for Big Brothers.
Elizabeth Bushnell, BBBSMM program manager for Penobscot and northern Waldo counties, said the agency is trending with national statistics when it comes to disproportionate numbers of female volunteers versus males who sign up to become youth mentors. She said more than 70% of the children waiting for a mentor are boys.
BBBS of Mid-Maine has launched “Man Up to Mentor” to help match boys waiting for Big Brothers in Penobscot and northern Waldo counties. Potential new mentors are invited to learn more at a Man Up to Mentor informational event 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Orono Brewing Company, 61 Margin St., Orono. Patrons who sign up during the event to receive information about becoming a mentor will receive a 10% discount on their food bill.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters commit to meeting weekly with their Littles for at least one year. Volunteers are interviewed, screened and trained, and receive ongoing support from professional staff, including regular match support and coaching to ensure safety and help strengthen relationships. Successful Bigs are responsible, caring adults, who enjoy working with youth of all ages and backgrounds, have excellent listening and communication skills, are patient, willing to learn, and share in the BBBS vision that all children have the potential to succeed.
“As we work together to support the mental health of youth, we know children who have a consistent, positive role model outside of their families, have stronger relationships, better grades, are less likely to get involved in alcohol and drugs, and have the best possible chance to reach their greatest potential,” said Gwendolyn Hudson, BBBSMM executive director. “It doesn’t take a lot of time or resources to become a Big, and change a child’s life. If you ever thought about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, now is the time to do it.”
PHOTO: Colby Charette and his LIttle Brother Harrison. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine needs more young men to step up to mentor boys waiting for Big Brothers. (Submitted photo)
