The organization needs both male and female mentors, and all ages of volunteers are welcome to apply. The school-based program is well-suited to high school seniors to senior citizens who wish to help reinforce the importance of academics,  as well as be a supportive mentor. Activities in the school and after-school programs include homework assistance, reading help and fun activities that build the youth’s social skills and confidence. In the BBBS community-based program, activities occur after-school or on weekends and might include sports, cooking, cultural events, volunteering and arts/crafts. The matches can also attend BBBS-sponsored events together, such as rafting and horseback riding.

For more than 100 years nationally and 30 years locally, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a volunteer-driven organization that makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”). Youth in the program are ages 6 through 18, in eight counties across western North Carolina: Buncombe, Burke, Cherokee, Haywood, Henderson, Macon, Polk and Swain. BBBS of WNC develops positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.

– article submitted by Karen Dacey