Friends for Keeps Check out a profile of one of our In-School Mentors in the September 2004 issue of Canadian Living.

After only seeing his father once in the past five years, this Little Brother was in need of not only a male role model, but exposure to healthy "couple" relationships. He really likes to do things with other people, but he usually didn't have anyone to do things with. Things changed after being matched with a Big Couple. During one of the supervisions, the Caseworker reported that the Little's Mom is so happy with the change in her son and how much the Big Couple have come to mean to him. Even when they missed a week, they brought him back a toy and a keychain, which the Little had during the meeting. The Little showed the Caseworker the items and how they worked. He smiled throughout the whole conversation and talked very fast and excitedly about these items and a recent zoo visit with his Bigs. The Little smiled brightly and said that there was a monkey there and talked about all the things he saw. He added that his Mom hadn't even been there! In a follow-up conversation, the Little's Mom said her son has so much more to look forward to as the days come and go, that she has already seen a difference in him, that he is happier and there has even been a slight change in his behaviour for the better.

The Mentee was much more talkative and comfortable than when the child was first assessed. The Mentee had better eye contact and did not put her hands on her mouth as she had before. She really seemed to enjoy her Mentor and at the last meeting, she entertained everyone with her gymnastic skills. The positive impact that the match had on the child was noticed by her teacher who commented that the Mentee showed improvements in personal growth, behaviour, academics, and peer interaction as well as demonstrating a feeling of being important as a person.

"The in-school mentor program provides at risk students with benefits which are most notable. Students who often need that "extra" individual attention embrace the opportunity to meet weekly with their mentor. I have referred students whom attendance was of serious concern, only to become connected with a mentor and seldom miss a day. The mentor program provides them with that attachment and "hook" which was necessary to keep them looking forward to school. I have referred students who felt isolated, lonely, and lacked the skills to interact socially with their peers, only to learn valuable "conversational" skills which enhanced their ability to formulate new friendships and connect with their own classmates. The positive relationships developed cannot be understated." Vice-Principal, Bayview Community School

"A mentor from Big Brothers Big Sisters has worked with a grade 3 student in our school for the past two years. The mentor offers a wide variety of activities to the student including arts and crafts, games, and conversation. The student eagerly awaits her weekly visit and embraces her when she arrives. The mentor is extremely kind and giving, and genuinely fond of the student. Recently because of a family crisis the mentor has not been able to spend time with him; the student has carefully kept the Valentines he has for her (which he gave her on her return to the program). The mentor program offers this boy a sense of pride and value. The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor program is extremely valuable and I am very pleased that it is in our school." Principal, Riverport & District Elementary School

You Can Make a Difference

This Little Brother was not able to be involved in activities outside of school nor did he have access to a positive male role model.  Like all our Little Brothers, he was waiting.  Then, along came a young, enthusiastic volunteer who wanted to give back to his community so he became a Big Brother.  And the two were matched.  Since being matched, the Little Brother has had the opportunity to do many things for the first time.  His mother has said that her son has a lot to look forward to each week and his Big Brother takes him out and spends quality time with him.  The Big Brother said he’s having a blast!  And the Little Brother – he says that his Big Brother is his best friend!

 Thank you to Acadia Equipment Rentals for their donation to sponsor this match in 2006!