Big
Brothers-Big Sisters Needs You
The
Trentonian - 7/16/2006
Column by Jeff Edelstein
Of
all the charitable organizations going, the Big
Brothers Big Sisters program has to be one of the
best in terms of good ideas.
As
explained by its name, the program matches kids
with adults (or high school students) in an effort
to help the kids reach their potential.
And
when it comes to reaching potential, the Mercer
County chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters has some
big ideas.
Just
ask Arlene Erikson, who is the chapter’s new
director of development.
Along
with the new executive director, Sue Dunning, the
two women have big plans to make Mercer County’s
chapter the best and biggest.
"One
of the most exciting things we’re doing is
matching high school kids with area elementary school
children," Erikson said.
A
few area high schools are already signed up. Erikson
said she won’t rest until all the high schools
have agreed to take part in the program.
"It
works for everyone," she said. "It teaches
the high school kids how to give back and be altruistic,
and obviously, it helps the little kids."
Just
think what it must be like to be a little six-year-old,
and for reasons beyond your control, being greatly
unaware of the world at-large.
Big
Brothers Big Sisters seeks to find these kids and
match them up with adults who share their interests.
"We
love to take children out of their environment and
expose them to new adventures," Erikson said.
Sometimes
it’s as simple as a kid who never went fishing,
but wants to. They get matched up with an adult
who loves hitting the lake, and presto -- a lifelong
bond is formed.
"When
a child has a mentor, they really step up to the
plate," Erikson said. "They stay away
from drugs and alcohol, their grades go up, everything."
If
it sounds like I’m trying to sell you all
on this, it’s because I am. It’s a great
idea.
Right
now, the Mercer County chapter has 146 active matches.
Erikson’s goal by year-end is 300, and after
that, who knows.
For
the children, it’s up to the parents (or guardian)
to initiate the process.
"Any
parent who thinks their children needs a mentor,
they bring them to us and the kids sign a contract,
promising to keep their grades up, and we match
them with a mentor," Erikson said. "And
for the mentors, all we ask for is at least an hour
an week. Invariably, the mentors give more time.
The mentors derive so much satisfaction knowing
their lives really helped another’s life."
Care
to get involved? It’s easy. Either call Erikson
at 609-656-1000 or email her at aerikson@bbbsmercer.org.
Jeff
Edelstein’s columns appear every Sunday, Tuesday,
and Friday. He can be reached at jedelstein@trentonian.com.
©The Trentonian 2006
