Now More Than Ever Mentorship Is Super Important

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana (BBBS) believes that mentorship is the top approach to combating trauma and increasing mental health in young people. Jennifer Hoffman, senior manager of external relations and events, says proudly, “Now more than ever, mentorship is super important. We believe we’re the best mentoring agency in Kentucky and have the statistics and metrics to prove it. When our young people (Littles) are matched with their mentors (Bigs), we have a 100% graduation rate from our programs. Our mindset is that it takes two – a Big and a Little – to change both of their lives for the better.” 

Jennifer shared the following facts about becoming a volunteer:

• BBBS serves seven counties in Kentucky and three in Indiana. As of this writing, there are 596 Littles on a waiting list; 226 of those are ready to be matched with Bigs. 
• Anyone age 18 and up can be a mentor. Those who are over 50 or are empty-nesters may find themselves particularly well-suited to this fun and meaningful volunteer opportunity.
• If time commitment is a concern, BBBS wants volunteers to know that it just takes TWO: two hours, two times a month to change lives.
• Bigs and Littles are matched with a 30-day process involving conversation with enrollment and match specialists. 
• BBBS supports the mentoring relationship from the initial inquiry phase through the entirety of the process by offering extensive professional resources and consistent check-ins. The life expectancy of most matches exceeds one year due in large part to the care and support given to building strong Big/Little matches. 

Jennifer asks you to consider this question: “What have you done for the past two hours? Have you been decompressing, watching a movie, taking it easy? Do you have time for a 30-minute phone call, to go get an ice cream, or go watch a soccer game?” Being a mentor doesn’t have to take a lot of your time, but it makes a huge difference in the lives of both mentor and mentee. “It takes little to be big,” Jennifer says. “Go to our website at bbbsky.org to watch a 12-minute video to learn more.”

By Megan S. Willman | Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Kentuckiana

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