Big Brothers seeks 50 new volunteers

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County is kicking off a campaign to recruit 50 volunteer mentors to be matched with youths in Flathead County.

The project would double the number of mentors for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Call 752-0092 to sign up or visit www.bbbsfc.org for more information.

“Big Brothers Big Sisters is able to grow this program because of generous community support,” Big Brothers Executive Director Jesse Mahugh said in a news release. “We now have two program staff, which significantly increases the number of children we can serve.”

Nancy Easley is the school-based coordinator and Lisa Johnson is the community-based coordinator.

Mentors are especially needed for Lunch Pail Pals, a school-based mentoring program. The time commitment is one hour per week over the course of the school year.

Mentors meet one hour per week with youths at school for lunch and recess. Some days they may sit down and read a book and at other times they may go throw a football or play another game outside. Mentors will be matched with elementary and middle-school students in Flathead County.

“One of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I have had was being a Lunch Pail Pal,” board President Jeff Meredith said. “Dedicating one lunch hour a week to mentoring a youth in our community is something that can work into almost everyone’s busy schedule and the positive impact that will be made on both the Big and the Little will last for a lifetime.”

According to Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent, Mark Flatau, “I cannot think of a better way to impact our most needy kids in a positive way than volunteering to be a Big Brother or Big Sister. Our kids need as many positive relationships with meaningful adults as possible. Big Brothers and Big Sisters fills this role in outstanding ways.”

Volunteers are also needed for the community-based mentoring program, which involves a time commitment of eight hours per month doing activities in the community such as hiking or getting ice cream together.

“Mentoring young men with Big Brothers Big Sisters has been rewarding for me,” said Dan Dickman, a longtime volunteer. “A few hours of my time, whether hiking in Glacier Park or going to a show, has hardly impacted my schedule. It does my heart good to see how mature they become. I’m proud to have played a part in these positive changes.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters supports youths in graduating from high school, avoiding risky behaviors, building better relationships and improving self-confidence by matching them with volunteer mentors. Mentors are screened and supported with training by qualified staffers. Prior to being matched, volunteers are interviewed, a multi-level background check is performed and references are checked.

For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County, go online to www.bbbsfc.org.