Making a Difference: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon asks you to step up and become a mentor
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Here at KTVZ News, we focus our resources on bolstering the health and well-being of Central Oregon's youth through our 21 Cares for Kids partnerships. We have six incredible community partnerships that we’re highlighting through a monthly segment called ‘Making a Difference’.
This month, we’re spotlighting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon--a youth mentoring network solely supported by donors and volunteers.
"We have 75 kids waiting on our waitlist. Majority of those are boys, and the majority of those kids are living in La Pine and Redmond,” said Jenn Davis, the program director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, is looking for community members willing to step up and make a difference in the life of a local child or teen.
"It's being a consistent adult in a child's life who just needs someone there to be in their corner. Going out and going hiking or going to the movies, or coming out to our beautiful campus that we have out on 20 acres in east bend and playing games or seeing our horses. Spending time together,” Davis said.
January is National Mentoring Month.
"Our agency is looking forward to really showing this community what mentoring means and how much of the impact it has on kids in our community," Davis said. "We have a high graduation rate. We're anticipating a big group of kids graduating again from local high schools. We are providing tons of opportunities for our kids, so mentoring gives kids opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have."
And if you can’t mentor, there are plenty of other ways to help out the organization.
"'Bowl for Kids’ Sake' is our second largest fundraiser of the year. It's a huge event we're hosting at sun mountain fun center. So you can get involved by being a sponsor or signing up for a team, or you can sponsor for our littles to come and bowl," Davis said. "For 28 years, we've hosted the 'Comedy for Kids' Sake' event, and officially we are transitioning that event this year. It is now called 'The Big Event’ and will be hosted at Hawkeye and Huckleberry on October 1st."
From monetary donations to volunteering your time, you have the ability to make a lasting impact on young lives in Central Oregon through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
"It can make a world of difference for a child in our community. You can give them opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have and give them just your time. It's really important,” Davis said.
An important commitment indeed.
If you’re interested in learning more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, click here.
