Big Brothers Big Sisters Launches New Mentoring Program

Categories: CharityEvents/What's HappeningNews

The Little Brotherhood mentoring program focuses on personal growth and connection for boys aged 8 to 12.

News Summary

Big Brothers Big Sisters Rhode Island has launched ‘The Little Brotherhood,’ a mentoring initiative for boys aged 8 to 12. The program aims to provide guidance and support to boys on the organization’s waitlist. The launch event featured various activities to foster connections, and the program will convene twice a month to help participants develop social-emotional skills and personal strengths. BBBSRI is also recruiting male volunteers to mentor these boys, emphasizing the positive impact of mentorship on educational and mental health outcomes.

Providence, Rhode Island – Big Brothers Big Sisters Rhode Island (BBBSRI) has introduced a new mentoring initiative named “The Little Brotherhood,” designed specifically for boys aged 8 to 12 who are currently on the organization’s waitlist. The initiative aims to connect these young boys with adult mentors who can provide guidance and support as they grow. The official orientation event for this program took place on Monday evening.

The orientation featured a variety of activities, including a meet-and-greet with BBBSRI staff, engaging ice-breaker games, and team-building exercises to help foster connections among the participants. Through “The Little Brotherhood,” the program will convene twice a month, offering a structured environment where boys can work on exploring their personal strengths, developing essential social-emotional skills, and cultivating a sense of belonging within a supportive community.

To expand the reach of its initiatives, BBBSRI is actively seeking to recruit an additional 250 to 300 male volunteers. These volunteers will play a crucial role in the mentoring process, helping to enhance the experiences of the boys involved in the program. Those interested in volunteering can reach out via email at mentoring@bigsri.org or visit the BBBSRI website for more information.

Research indicates that mentorship can significantly benefit participants. Last year, 100% of mentees in BBBSRI programs advanced to the next grade, highlighting improved educational outcomes attributed to mentorship. Additionally, surveys conducted among parents show that 91% reported improvements in their children’s mental health, 86% noted increased self-confidence, and an impressive 97% indicated that their children were successfully avoiding the juvenile justice system. Furthermore, mentored youth are statistically 20% more likely to pursue higher education compared to those without mentors.

The BBBSRI Board urges parents and guardians to consider enrolling their children in mentorship programs like “The Little Brotherhood.” The organization provides essential support for ongoing mentorships, offering access to professional case management and a variety of resources to enhance the mentoring experience.

In addition to launching new programs, BBBSRI recognizes outstanding contributions to mentorship with awards. One such honor, the Natural Mentoring Award, will be presented at the upcoming Big Breakfast event scheduled for October 23. Nominations for this award can be submitted until May 16 via a provided link. This annual award aims to recognize individuals committed to fostering growth and development through mentorship in the community.

BBBSRI’s CEO, Katje Afonseca, has underscored the importance of mental health care, not just for the mentees, but also for the organization’s staff. BBBSRI actively promotes employee wellbeing by offering paid time for therapy sessions and reimbursement for copays, ensuring that their team is well-supported as they strive to create impactful mentoring experiences for youth in the community.

The launch of “The Little Brotherhood” marks a significant step forward for BBBSRI as it seeks to enhance the lives of boys in Rhode Island and strengthen the network of support available to them. As the organization continues to grow, community involvement through volunteerism will be pivotal in achieving its mission of positive youth development.