Jan 3, 2004

Big Brothers, Sisters hold programs during Mentoring Month

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Clara County will offer a firsthand look at its school-based program in honor of National Mentoring Month in January. The group is working with the Campbell Union School District to provide after-school mentoring programs in three elementary schools during January.

Mentors, or “Bigs” in these programs meet with their mentee, or “Little” once a week on school grounds. The Big and Little spend time getting to know each other while playing board games, taking a walk, playing ball or doing arts and crafts together. These after-school programs provide children with fun and engaging activities to promote a harmonious relationship with adult mentors.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is to build responsible, independent children and youth by matching each with supportive and caring adult role models. The group serves the community by creating professionally supported, one-to-one, adult mentor relationships for children ages 6-14.

The young people in the program often come from single-parent families and experience the challenges of adolescence with few role models to share in their guidance. Many are at-risk for substance abuse, juvenile crime, academic failure, low self-esteem, teen pregnancy and gang activity. The primary purpose of BBBS programs is to provide these young people a “point of contact” with positive and sustaining adult mentors who contribute their time toward academic, social and emotional support.

The programs take place every week from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., beginning Jan. 5, on the following days: Monday: Rosemary Elementary School, 401 West Hamilton Avenue,

Campbell, CA 95008; Tuesday: Lynhaven Elementary School, 881 South Cypress Avenue, San Jose, CA 95117; and Thursday: Blackford Elementary School,1970 Willow Street, San Jose, CA 95125.

Contact Elise Sloan (408) 244-1396 or Leigh Suga (408) 244-1087 or via e-mail at lsuga@bbs-scc.org if you are interested in featuring or visiting these programs in action in honor of National Mentoring Month.