CT Big Brothers Big Sisters Needs 'Bigs' For New Haven School Program

NEW HAVEN, CT — Have a few hours a week to mentor "at-risk" kids at the Truman School?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is seeking adult volunteers to mentor students in New Haven before the organization’s School and Site-Based Programs start in September.

Volunteers, or Bigs, are needed throughout Connecticut to mentor youth, or Littles. And in New Haven, that's at the Truman School in the Hill.

Volunteers engage in one-on-one and group activities with the kids they mentor, which facilitate character building and relationship development.

"The kids in our site-based programs really benefit from having a mentor who is there for them and believes in them," Julie Correira, Senior Site-Based Specialist at the Truman School, said. "As a site-based volunteer, you meet weekly with a student in the classroom where you can help them with schoolwork, play games, and get to know them. Mentees gain confidence and do better in school, and mentors make a positive difference in a young person's life."

Big Brothers Big Sisters of CT’s site-based programs served over 370 youth this past year across 20 sites. The outcomes of the programs include students’ lives being enriched right within the school environment, and teachers seeing increased confidence in Little Brothers and Sisters.

"The Truman School serves kids in kindergarten through eighth grade, so it's a great opportunity for volunteers to get involved in mentoring kids of various ages," Shasity Rios, Director of School & Site-Based Programs, said. "The program focuses on starting a friendship, providing guidance to at-risk youth in Connecticut, and helping them reach their potential."

It's noted by BBBS of CT that the "benefits of being a mentor in our site-based program include having fun while achieving personal growth, improving your self-esteem, and knowing you are making a difference in someone's life."

Interested volunteers are encouraged to visit BBBS of CT website here to learn how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. For more information, call 860-525-5437 or email program@nbbbs.org.