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Big Brothers Big Sisters ignites drive for new mentors as Northwood University continues its community partnership

Published on 9/11/2009 2:59:39 PM
Big Brothers Big Sisters has embarked on a campaign to enlist 45 mentors in 45 days -- aptly named "45 mentors in 45 days." Cedar Hill has 69 children on the waiting list for a Big, said Diana Phillips, regional executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Nearly 30 children have been waiting more than a year for a mentor, and three more than two years.

CEDAR HILL – Big Brothers Big Sisters has embarked on a campaign to enlist 45 mentors in 45 days -- aptly named "45 mentors in 45 days."

Cedar Hill has 69 children on the waiting list for a Big, said Diana Phillips, regional executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Nearly 30 children have been waiting more than a year for a mentor, and three more than two years.

Big Brothers Big Sisters has been serving children in Cedar Hill for several decades through a program that places mentors with children to meet them in the community. Its newest venture is a school-based program, through which mentors spend a lunch break with their "Littles." Phillips said the mission of her organization is to enrich, encourage and empower children to reach their highest potential through safe, positive, one-on-one mentoring relationships.

"Our 45 Mentors in 45 Days campaign for additional volunteers to serve as Big Brothers or Sisters to children in Cedar Hill is crucial to serving the growing number of children on our waiting list," Phillips said. "Most people don't realize how easy and fun being a Big is. We all take a lunch break! We can actually change a life in just one lunch a week. That's a huge impact not only on a child's life but on our community as a whole."

Big Brothers Big Sisters asks that prospective mentors be able to dedicate 30 minutes each week – or an hour every two weeks - for at least a year. For instance, twice every month, 8-year-old Zenus of Cedar Hill spends time with Tayauana – the mentor with whom Big Brothers and Big Sisters matched her.

"I like her because we watch movies at the house, play games, talk, and go to the park," Zenus said.

Studies show that children who have mentors are more confident in their academic performance, able to get along better with their families, 46 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52 percent less likely to skip school.

If a person chooses to become a mentor, not only will they serve a child, but they'll receive the kind of satisfaction that only comes from selfless giving. Tayauana had heard of mentoring many times, but finally decided to act when she learned of the "45 Mentors In 45 days" initiative.

"I heard about mentoring when I was younger," she said. "But when I became older, that's when I wanted to become a mentor."

Northwood University is continuing its relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which has resulted in six schoolchildren being mentored and more than $5,000 for the non-profit.

Six Northwood employees have become "Bigs" – school-based mentors to young people in the community, said Roy Wilson, Northwood's director of community relations. Northwood also formed seven teams in February's Bowl For Kids' Sake Fundraiser in DeSoto, raising about $5,200.

"It is important that we are a good neighbor and valued partner," Wilson said. "We need to give back to the community."

Northwood's Texas campus Provost Dr. Kevin Fegan serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is a vitally important group to support, Dr. Fegan said, emphasizing the incredible results measured by researchers.

"Mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters has an enduring, powerful impact not only on the lives of the Littles, but also on those of the Bigs," Dr. Fegan said. "Everyone has the power and ability to dramatically improve a child's life."

Wilson and Dr. Fegan both serve as "Bigs" to students at Plummer Elementary in Cedar Hill.

When Tayauana decided to mentor, she thought about Big Brothers Big Sisters because they were in her neighborhood and school while she was growing up.

Tayauana contacted Big Brothers Big Sisters, filled out an application and was matched to 8-year-old old Zenus of Cedar Hill in February.

When the two first met, Tayauana noticed Zenus was shy - but as time went on Zenus started to warm up to Tayauana. She noticed that Zenus reminded her of a version of herself.

"When I was younger, I liked to jump rope, hopscotch, and I used to be shy," Tayauana said. "But when I warmed up I talked a lot. She reminds me of myself when I was younger."

Call 888-887-BIGS or visit www.bbbstx.org.