Eight hundred children in the Columbus area are waiting to be placed with a big brother or big sister through the Big Brother Big Sister Association of Columbus, and Ohio State students have been asked to help. Since 1904 the program has been matching children age 6 to 14 with mentors age 19 and older. The program has been very successful because the children respond to the one-on-one attention and the relationship can change and grow to fit the needs of the child.
“I became close to my little sister fast and I haven’t even known her a year. I have sisters at home, but I have a special relationship with my little sister in my program,” said Sherisse Essex, a senior in journalism. Most of the children on the wait list are boys who come from single parent homes where a father is not around.
“These boys are dealing with feelings of rejection and abandonment and the pressures of being the only man of the family,” said Adrienne Yates, the director of marketing at Big Brother Big Sister. The male role models who serve as “bigs” give the children someone to confide in and learn from.
“The children need responsible young adults to help them have and make goals such as attending college,” Essex said. Twice a month “bigs” and “littles” meet for activities that they plan together such as a game of basketball or going out for ice cream. In between seeing each other during the month “bigs” also call their “littles” to see how they are doing.
“I try and give my little brother a call once a week to check up on him and let him know that I’m around if he needs me,” said Ryan Connell, a senior in consumer affairs.
“Bigs” are able to give valuable time to help a child and feel like they can give more to the child because they develop a relationship with them.
“This type of mentoring is a rewarding experience for both the ‘big’ and the ‘little’,” Connell said.
Children who are involved in the program have demonstrated an improvement in grades, attitude and relationships.
To become a big brother or sister a person must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance and go through an application and training process.
“Mentors make a one-year commitment to the program but most participate longer if they stay in the Columbus area,” Yates said.
There are many opportunities for students to get involved with Big Brother Big Sister besides becoming a “big”. Student volunteers are needed for fundraising activities. The Big Brother Big Sister Association of Columbus is located in Dublin and students interested can call (614) 839-2447 for more information.
