Volunteering just a minimum of 4 hours a month with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jefferson, Elk and McKean Counties can make a significant impact on a child’s life, with long lasting effects carrying to the future.
With volunteerism dwindling throughout many organizations and increasing program requirements, if more people don’t step up to the plate, the benefits of the program may be a distant memory.
Mentoring services were first provided in McKean County in 1980 through the Volunteer Friend Program, sponsored by The Guidance Center. In November 1989, The Guidance Center began steps to become affiliated with the Big Brothers Big Sisters National Organization (BBBSA). After the program was assessed on compliance with 151 standards and procedures, it was awarded full membership to the national organization in 1992. The program eventually spread to cover Elk County in 2001 and Jefferson County in 2008.
“Within the last 2 years, the national organization have changed their affiliate requirements, which now include having 100 matches per year, a $200,000 annual budget and three full-time employees,” explained Cinde Shuckers, program coordinator of Jefferson, Elk and McKean Counties at The Guidance Center. “As of 2019, programs were to have met those requirements. We were given an extension for a year.”
The stipulations of the extension were to give the national organization a plan and to be able to show substantial growth towards that plan by the end of 2019. They are currently in dire need of volunteers for the program, as they are only serving 21 of the required 100 children in all three counties. Shuckers is hoping to receive another extension if they pull volunteer numbers up soon.
“The numbers (of volunteers) have been declining. We’re serving 21 matches in all three counties — that’s not what even one county should have, we should be able to get 33 matches in each county,” said Shuckers.
“I was a Big (volunteer) for 7 years and I was on the task force for 5, and traditionally it’s been very hard to get Bigs. The waitlist was so long for the Littles (children),” explained Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp.
“When I started there were over 123 Littles on the waitlist. We weren’t matching them — they were waiting two or three years — that just tugs at my heart,” said Shuckers. “In the past two years, we’ve seen a decline in the number of volunteers that will follow-through.”
Shuckers explained many of the children referred to the program come from single parent homes or live with their grandparents and are all facing some sort of adversity.
“They may be facing low self-esteem and confidence or could be struggling academically. They are all facing something, which is why they are being referred to the program,” she noted.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is an evidence-based program that has shown positive results in the lives of children that carry into adulthood.
“According to the 2018 BBBSA National Impact Report, 95% of youth reported improving or maintaining in the area of social acceptance, 82% improved or maintained in grades and 96% improved or maintained in attitudes toward risky behaviors,” said Shuckers.
According to the BBBSA website, a survey of alumni of the program found 90% agreed their Big made them feel better about themselves, 86% agreed they live a fulfilling life and 72% agreed they are extremely satisfied with their relationships with friends.
“I don’t think some know the value of what the program can do for our communities. That’s a lot of youth you could serve — that’s a lot of lives you could touch,” added Shuckers.
When the organization realized things weren’t looking better in terms of volunteerism, the McKean County Collaborative Board stepped up to help them find solutions — groups and organizations they can turn to — to find support and volunteers.
“They are currently evaluating whether more volunteers would be more interested in a site-based program, where volunteers have a location to meet their Little with,” explained Shuckers.
The program is currently a community-based program, meaning once volunteers are matched with a child and establish a relationship, they can take them into the community and their own home.
“Maybe they would be more willing to be committed, or feel more comfortable, if they were to meet their Little at the senior center or community center — all the things we’re looking at,” Shuckers said.
An ad-hoc committee from the collaborative board has reached out to several school districts, the University of Pittsburgh’s general assembly and other community businesses to get an idea of sites that could be used for Bigs and Littles to meet.
In order to become a mentor, one must be at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Interested parties are required to fill out an application with references, complete a background check (paid for by the organization) and participate in a short orientation. Mentors are asked to make a commitment to meet with a child at least three times per month for at least one year.
Shuckers emphasized the importance volunteers spending quality time over spending money on the children. Simply going to the park, reading a book or playing a game can mean the world to a child. Occasionally Bigs may receive notices for free tickets to cultural and sports events they can take their littles to.
“The whole point of this program is the relationship, I can’t stress that enough. Taking them out and showing them what’s available in the community. It’s about having an adult that’s a positive role model and support.”
For more information on how to become a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor or to obtain an application, call toll-free 1-877-776-1636 or email cschuckers@guidancecenter.net.
