It takes a village to raise a child, and no one knows that better than Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka.
Chrissy King was before Huntsville council at its June 28 meeting to bring attention to the organization and how people can get involved.
“We serve children in the community who face adverse childhood experiences, otherwise known as ACEs. So whether that be bullying, social isolation, you know, divorce in the home — a wide range of things. We are working with kids who just need a little support and it’s also an opportunity for them to have fun, and as far as their big brothers and sisters go, it builds a stronger sense of community for the mentors as well.”
King said the goal of the organization is to increase their impact and serve even more youth than they are currently serving by decreasing their waitlist and ensuring they’re reaching all youth in need of additional support in the community.
According to King, 80 per cent of the youth the organization serves have two or three ACEs, which presents a risk of falling behind and facing health issues throughout their lifetime. The good news, she said, is there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the consequences of ACEs by teaching healthy relationship skills and connecting youth with caring adults like a mentor.
“Unfortunately, we’re not able to take away all of the ACEs that someone might experience, but we can help mitigate the effects and through our mentoring services help build self-esteem, help build resiliency that will serve this child throughout their lifetime, and in the end build stronger communities,” said King.
She shared an anecdote with council about a “little brother in our program” who was very shy and wasn’t engaging in the classroom. She said after a few months in the program, his Big Brother and his teacher began to notice a change. He began building self-esteem and was not only engaging more in a real way with his mentor but he also started engaging more with his peers and raising his hand in class, an experience, she said, which will serve him throughout his life.
The organization offers an in-school program where mentors work with kids on the school property to help them with academic engagement. They also offer a PRISM program, which specifically supports LGTBQ+ youth in the community, as well as a new program referred to as the ‘BIG G’ program, which is an intergenerational initiative that matches someone who is 55-plus with a youth. These are in addition to the standard Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, as well as mentoring for couples.
King said COVID-19 has changed the way mentoring takes place but it continues. Mentors and mentees are able to interact virtually with games and activities, which still enable them to connect. The organization also hosts virtual group events such as trivia nights and ice cream socials.
Those who feel comfortable with in-person meetings can now do so based on provincial guidelines.
“More mentors are still needed. So we do currently have 31 littles on our waitlist – so nine from Bracebridge, 10 in Gravenhurst, nine in Huntsville, one in Milford Bay, and two in Seven Bridge,” said King. “And these kids are waiting to be matched. Some are newer to the waitlist and some have been on there for a while so if there’s anybody watching who is interested in becoming a mentor, please contact us.” She also noted that if anybody has a child in their life who could use support, they can contact the organization.
King said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka is also always looking for board members to share their expertise.
People can like and follow them on social media @BBBSMuskoka to find out about the organization’s fundraisers and other events.
Currently, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka is holding a raffle and participants can sign up with a team or on their own. Participants will be eliminated one-by-one and the last three names remaining can win gift cards to help enjoy patio season at restaurants throughout Muskoka. Registration ends this Friday, and the draws take place next week.
Huntsville Councillor Dione Schumacher, who sits on their board of directors, asked King to explain what sort of time commitment is required of mentors. King said for the community programs the expectation is about two hours per week. “That sounds really scary, don’t let me scare you off right away.” King said the time can be spent going for a walk, getting an ice cream or maybe even kicking a soccer ball around. “It’s really about just taking the time to be together so even though, again, two hours might seem like a lot but if you’re just going out and having a good time, that’s really what it’s all about.”
She said the commitment for the in-school program is about one hour per week, and the commitment for both programs is a least a year because if it were shorter then it could potentially do more harm than good.
She said mentors are supported by the organization and the relationship takes place between the mentor, the mentee and their family or guardian.
“Thank you for everything you do. I think this is an excellent program and it doesn’t happen without your hard work,” said Councillor Tim Withey.
You can call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muskoka at 705-644-9914 or visit their website at this here.
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