Nationally and locally January has been proclaimed Mentoring Month, and Thursday, January 26, 2012 is Thank Your Mentor Day. It’s a time to recognize and reflect on those who make a difference in the life of another. It’s a time to consider how you can positively affect the life of those around you. It’s a time to celebrate the progress of mentoring programs that work to change the lives of at-risk youth every day.
Brownwood Mayor, Stephen Haynes is hosting the Mayor’s Big Breakfast, January 31st to inform interested citizens about the benefits of mentoring and the impact Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has on the community. Chief Operating Officer of BBBS Lone Star, Jason Ray, will be addressing the attendees and local mentors will share their experiences.
Last year nationally, 94% of the children in the BBBS program were promoted to the next grade level and 99% were not involved in delinquent behaviors. There were no delinquent behaviors reported in Brown County. A local 5th grader was promoted for the first time without summer school and a sophomore at Brownwood High School is looking at colleges with her Big. She will be the first person in her family to graduate from High School. These are two of the 71 children impacted by BBBS in Brownwood last year.
Research shows that through the positive impact of a match relationship, children are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to use drugs, alcohol or engage in high-risk behaviors. In short, they will have more opportunity to reach their highest potential with the encouragement that an additional adult mentor can add to their life. Volunteers are asked to spend time with a child at least twice a month.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brown County is a United Way agency primarily supported by local donations. To request your free ticket to the Mayor’s Big Breakfast or for more information about mentoring, contact Gina Jameson at 325-643-5600 or gjameson@bbbstx.org .
