Under the auspices of Big Brothers Big Sisters, caring adults have been helping youngsters make a successful transition to adulthood for nearly 90 years.
The program works. When little brothers and sisters are paired with the right mentor, they are far less-likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol, are more motivated in their school work and have developed stronger relationships with friends and families.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Alleghenies, an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, pairs about 100 youngsters and adults each year. However, about 50 more children between the ages of 6 and 16 are still waiting.
So the local organization has scheduled three events this year at which it hopes to recruit men and women to be mentors. The first one is Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Lowe’s Home Improvement in LaVale. The others are set for November.
BBBS will have representatives on hand to provide applications and answer questions from adults who are interested.
Mentors must be 18 years or older and successfully complete the application and screening process. The screening process includes extensive employment, child abuse and criminal background checks. Applicants are required to submit three personal references. The screening and interview process takes approximately two weeks to be completed.
An effort is made to pair adults and children who have similar interests. Mentors are asked to commit to a full year and are encouraged to meet with the child two or more times a month. Couples and entire families can serve as mentors.
BBBS says the difference such a relationship can make in the life of a child is significant.
If you are interested in mentoring or in assisting the program financially (it takes about $100,000 a year to keep it going locally), attend Sunday’s event at Lowe’s in LaVale, contact BBBS at www.bigdifference.org or call 301-724-2742.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
You can help
You can help
Volunteers needed for Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Opinion
-
-
Why have the media been silent all this time?
When I read the Cumberland Times-News Editorial this morning, Friday, May 17, entitled, “Outrageous,” I laughed like a kid at a birthday party!
-
What are chances this much money will be spent on road?
I was intrigued by cost data summarized in reporter Kathy Mellott’s recent article, “Completing southern link of U.S. Route 219 said to be best use of highway funds,” which appeared in the Cumberland Times-News on Tuesday May 14 (Page 1A).
-
School board should be doing better job with less money
The Allegany County Teachers Association (ACTA) board of directors recently submitted a letter to the editor asking the Allegany County commissioners to fully fund the Board of Education’s budget request for the upcoming fiscal year (“Commissioners should fund school board request,” April 29 Times-News).
-
Better ‘Click It’
If you notice more police on the highway this week, it’s for a couple of reasons.
-
Were they really good old days? You decide
When a fellow gets old, it’s not unusual for his mind to wander back to the days of his youth. He may forget where he laid his glasses five minutes ago, yet he can remember events that took place a half a century ago. This is one of the interesting things of old age.
-
Wearing the poppy tells others people that you remember
On May 25, members of Farrady Unit 24 American Legion Auxiliary, Frostburg, will once again ask the citizens of the community to remember the sacrifices our veterans have made.
-
Donating your old bike will help someone who really needs it
Once again Bikes for the World is collecting used bicycles at Canal Place, May 25 from 10 a.m. to noon,
-
Hosting Fresh Air Children can be a memorable experience
I got a phone call, and a little voice said, “Hi Miss Linda, I’m calling to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.”
-
Stop buying licenses; let them find the money somewhere else
A few months ago, I received two cards from the National Rifle Association. These were dealing with a legislative alert.
They asked that I should contact Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Kevin Kelly concerning the anti-gun legislation. -
Strength of gun laws is not reflected in grisly statistics
According to the FBI’s uniform crime reports, California had the highest number of gun murders in 2011 with 1,220, which makes up 68 percent of all murders in the state that year and equates to 3.25 murders per 100,000 people.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Why have the media been silent all this time?
