Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County, along with over 270 Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates across the nation, announced a new look last month with the goal of recruiting more volunteers.

“Our mission to mentor children facing adversity has not budged. The new, more modern face of the program is reflective of our need for more volunteers who understand the issues that children are facing today.” says Andrea Neidert, Program Manager of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage County.

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteer mentors, or Bigs, help children grow their confidence, cope with day-to-day challenges, and develop skills that will help them succeed in life. Children with a mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs, and more likely to go on to higher education, as Neidert explains. “The impact a Big has on their Little is incredible. The relationships these volunteers build with the children really change the course of their lives. The only problem is that we need more of them!”

Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has a waitlist of children hoping to be matched with mentors due to a lack of volunteers. The program is actively recruiting new mentors. To be a Big, volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, be able to spend at least 12 hours a month with a child, and be able to complete a screening process including a positive recommendation. If you are interested in mentoring a child, contact Andrea Neidert at [email protected].