Mentoring Programs: One-to-One Mentoring Makes the Difference

Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children ages 6 through 13 with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships. We have volunteer programs in Vermilion County.

Making the Connection

Big Brothers Big Sisters has a variety of volunteer opportunities available.

Matches come together through our two essential programs:
Community-Based Mentoring : For two to four hours a month, Bigs and Littles meet in their community to share fun activities … stories … and a little bit of themselves.  The children may be from single parents, have an incarcerated parent, live in a negative environment or have no support system.  A mentor can prove to be a miracle for a child who needs the extra support and encouragement.

School-Based Mentoring : Bigs and Littles meet once a week at the childs school, half the time is spent on academics and the other half on building a friendship. Our mentors share what they know about life experiences, how to be successful and setting goals for the future.  It’s not about being a tutor … it’s about being a friend. 

Mentor Match of 2009 

Pat O'Shaughnessy and his little, Torrez

In Vermilion County it’s hard to find anyone more passionate about volunteering than Pat O’Shaughnessy.  That passion has made for a perfect mentor relationship with his Little Brother Torrez. 

The pair met when Torrez was a 2nd grader.  Pat often tells the story of the day he visited the Big Brothers Big Sisters office.  He saw pictures of children on the waiting list.  “I can help one of those kids”, he said.  The case-manager went through the many files of children waiting to be matched and found Little Torrez and Pat had many of the same interests.  They were matched in the school based program.  Pat took time once a week out of his busy work day to meet with Torrez at his school.  Half of the hour was spent on academics and the other half on building a friendship.

The pair decided they wanted to see each other outside of the school setting.  Pat became a Community Based Mentor.  He goes to Torrez’s home and picks him up.  They enjoy sporting events, the Festival of Trees and other events together. 

During National Mentoring Month in January some of the Little Brothers and Little Sisters nominate their mentor for Big Brother or Big Sister of the year.  This year Torrez nominated Pat.  His nomination was so moving Pat was selected.  Now 6th grader Torrez states, “He is like my real true brother”.     He said “I talk to him about school or anything”. 

I talked to Torrez’s mother who stated one thing she really noticed is his increased interest in reading.  She said, “his mentor has encouraged him to read and not just little books.”  She said many times she finds Torrez reading “very thick books”.   She said Torrez needs the positive encouragement he gets from Pat.

On Wednesday morning Pat was presented with a certificate for Big Brother of the year.  He said he was humbled by the award.  “We have marked on the calendar 8th grade graduation, high school graduation and college.  That is my goal for Torrez and we are working toward that.”

The last sentence of the nomination says it all.  “Thanks for being there for me like a father figure too! Love you, Torrez.” 

We still have many littles waiting to be matched with a caring adult.  If you are interested give Big Brothers Big Sisters a call at 217-446-6601.

 

How a Big becomes a Big (and a Little a Little)

A lot of things have to happen before we make a match. Big Brothers  and Sisters must be at least 16 years of age.  After they express an interest in our volunteer opportunities, all our Bigs go through a thorough background check and careful interview process.  The potential Big completes a set of questions to determine what their likes and hobbies are.  Then we match Bigs and Littles based on personalities and preferences. And we provide full support for our volunteer programs along the way — so that matches can grow into lasting friendships.

What Bigs and Littles Do

Getting together is a great time for both, Bigs and Littles. It doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activities; just a few hours every month sharing simple things you already enjoy with a young person. Things like….

  • Shooting hoops
  • Playing a board game
  • Sharing a pizza
  • Taking a walk in the park
  • Baking cookies
  • Or just hanging out and talking

Interested in becoming a mentor?

  Call 217-446-6601. 

Interested in helping children who are feeling the effects of having a parent in prison?

Call 217-446-6601 and get the information you need to know about these very special children of promise.
                                                                                                                                                           One of our greatest needs is MALE Mentors, especially African American Male Mentors.  We have less than 5 African American Male Mentors and there needs to be more.  Our young boys need to have a positive male role model in their lives or they may follow in their parents footsteps.

Call 217-446-6601 today or click here to fill out an online application!

 

Can't become a Mentor now, but want to help? Your donation will make a difference.

Calls come in every day from parents, teachers and guidance counselors. They know what a difference a mentor can make in a child’s life. Your gift can help make Big magic for children in your local community by:

  • Helping us to recruit new Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers
  • Ensuring that trained professionals match children to caring and
  • responsible Bigs
  • Offering one-to-one, ongoing supervision and support for every match
  • Providing cultural and social activities to enrich the opportunities for
  • children 

And 92.2% of every dollar you give goes directly to making and supporting matches; the remainder covers overall program administration.

Think about a child who has wished for a Big Brother or Big Sister. Someone to have fun with and confide in. Someone to be a mentor. A guide. A friend. Now … think of how your gift could make a difference in that child’s life.

Are YOU Ready to Start Something Big?

Sign up to volunteer, donate to support the programs, participate in Bowl For Kids' Sake or              enroll a child.

 

 “At that meeting it was finally put to me how great the need is in our community for mentors, especially men”. - Kevin Stroud 

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