BIGS: January is National Mentoring Month.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jefferson, Elk and McKean Counties is reaching out to recruit volunteer mentors.

Currently there are 77 youth waiting for a volunteer to step forward and become a mentor.

While COVID-19 has limited in-person one-to-one contact, matches continue to find ways to connect with each other through texting, facetime, dropping off surprises or meeting outdoors when permitted.

Staff have been developing an eMentoring option to allow matches to meet virtually until the time they can safely meet in-person again.

Businesses and industries who may be able to provide comp time for employees who enroll as a volunteer are much needed.

Groups and organizations who may be able to encourage several of their members to volunteer are also sought. Individual adults and teens, ages 16 and older, can become a volunteer.

Children who are matched with a mentor for at least a year show improved self confidence; coping, self management, communication, problem solving, and decision making skills; a sense of future and goal setting; interests and hobbies; use of community and school resources; and they do better in school.

Matches are based on shared hobbies, a mentor’s preference on a child’s age, personality and other characteristics, and geographical proximity, typically within 10 miles.

Volunteers must be 18 or older, have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, be able to complete an interview and background screening, be responsible and trustworthy, commit to meeting a child two to four times a month for at least a year and enjoy having fun while making a difference.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program of The Guidance Center. For more information on becoming a part of the team call 371-0613 or 1-877-776-1636.