REAL Exclusive Magazine

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast

One to One Mentoring

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

For over four decades, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast has fostered life-changing relationships for generations of participants.  And while quantifiable results prove considerable improvements in the outlook of at-risk youth and their families, the impact is significant for volunteering mentors as well.  Says Meredith Garofalo, a Big Sister and Community Resource Director for the organization’s Manatee County office, “This is an opportunity to help change someone’s life for the better.”

Garofalo is proof positive that participation as a “Big” is doable, even with a busy schedule.  She began volunteering her time with Big Brothers Big Sisters while working as a news reporter and meteorologist in Rapid City, South Dakota.  Despite professional demands, she says she was easily able to dedicate an hour a week to spend with her “Little.”  And those hours, notes Garofalo, contributed to an immeasurable impact on the pair’s lives.  “It’s hard to describe the experience,” she acknowledges.  “But through Big Brothers Big Sisters I have seen firsthand the importance of being a positive presence and a mentor for someone who needed direction and guidance.  Bigs make a difference.”

Becoming a Big doesn’t require volunteers to put their professional or personal commitments on hold.  “It’s as easy as spending a lunch hour once a week and reading to an elementary school student, or meeting twice a month to hang out and do something sports-related.  Big Brothers Big Sisters is designed to be a manageable part of each participant’s schedule.”

Volunteers, notes Garofalo, come from all walks of life.  “We have kids ages six to eighteen who are ready to be matched.  The pairing process hones in on personalities, hobbies and activities so that we can match individuals together according to their common interests.  Bigs can also request to be matched with a child in a specific region or county to make the meetings easier to coordinate.  And we have a growing population of boys and native Spanish speakers who would benefit tremendously from the opportunity to have solid role models in their lives.”

Bigs and Littles are supported throughout the course of their year together.  Mentors are readily available to assist Bigs in negotiating new relationships, and navigating challenges that may arise.  “Our mentor managers are there to alleviate stress and answer questions, to help keep matches on track,” Garofalo says.  “Oftentimes it’s a matter of opening the lines of communication; that’s a great learning process for everyone involved.”  Bigs and Littles are also privy to a host of program perks donated by local partners.  “It’s unbelievable!” enthuses Garofalo.  “We host great events like an annual back-to-school pool party and a number of holiday parties throughout the year, plus we offer tickets to local sporting events and other activities.  We’re fortunate to be supported and appreciated by our community.”

Bigs aren’t expected to make financial contributions to the program, which costs around $1,200 a year to sustain each match.  Private donors, says Garofalo, are integral to the longevity and success of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  “People give what they can,” she explains.  “Some donate the full amount to sponsor a specific match, and receive updates on the pair throughout the year.  Others give five dollars knowing that it goes directly to supporting our local at-risk youth.  We appreciate every contribution.”

While the deepest impacts of participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program may be hard to measure, there are impressive quantifiable results to report.  In a nationwide study conducted by Big Brothers Big Sisters, with matched pairs meeting an average of three times a month for a year, Littles showed a 46% decrease in the likelihood to begin using illicit drugs and a 52% reduction in the likelihood to skip school.  Confidence in school and at home soared; one survey reports that 83% of former Littles felt that their Bigs instilled values and principles that have guided them through life.

It may not be immediately obvious, but Garofalo emphasizes the need for intervention throughout the Gulf Coast region.  “We have expanded into ten counties,” she states.  “There are so many kids in poverty and in at-risk situations whose futures can be changed with participation in a program like Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

Everyone, says Garofalo, has something to give.  “Whether you choose to participate as a Big, donate funds, or attend one of our local fundraising events, you have the opportunity to change lives for the better, forever.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast
101 W Venice Avenue, Suite 34
Venice, FL 34285
(941) 488.4009
www.bbbssun.org

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