Quincy Grandmother of 6 Leans on Youth Mentors for Help

With six children, ages 7 to 16, living under one roof, life can certainly be chaotic for Sheila White, a 59-year-old grandmother who is their full time caretaker It proves difficult to keep up with their individual schoolwork, hobbies and interests, while trying to give each one of them the one-on-one attention they deserve, even more so when some struggle with social and emotional issues, a residual effect of the isolation and remote learning during the pandemic. One of her greatest assets are her grandchildren’s mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) who have become an extension of their family, helping her grandkids to communicate, manage their emotions and try new things outside of their home in Quincy.

Having had her own mentor as a child, White knows firsthand the positive impact that having a caring adult in your corner other than family can have on a young person’s life. All six of her grandchildren are enrolled in BBBSEM’s signature community-based program for which adult mentors, referred to as Bigs, are paired with youth and meet for two to three hours, a couple times a month on outings of their choice. The leading one-to-one youth mentoring program in Massachusetts provides youth with extra support and experiences they otherwise may not have while giving guardians, like Shelia, a bit of respite and reassurance that other people in this world have their children and grandchildren’s back.

“When they say it takes a village, it takes a village – really,” says White, who praises each Big for stepping up in different ways to meet her grandchildren’s different needs. “The reality is this generation of kids will grow up to run the world one day. However, they have a lot more deterrents than past generations, like pressures with social media. It’s becoming harder and harder to ensure kids have direction, passion and are happy. You can’t be everywhere at any time. That’s where my grandchildren’s mentors come in.”

With research and proven outcomes at its core, BBBSEM creates matches based on shared interests, geography and personality and serves as a consistent resource for mentors, mentees, and their families. The organization serves as a bridge between communities and community partners, helping to address larger social issues, such as race and education gaps.

“I enrolled my eldest grandchild first and subsequently each child once they reached of age to participate,” says White. “It’s been amazing to see each mentoring relationship blossom. During the pandemic, their mentors fostered their relationships through online games, texts, and deliveries. One of the older ones has really been embraced as family by his Big Brother and his wife, recently taking him on an Easter egg hunt with their two little ones. Another match gravitated toward a local farm our family visited last summer and as a result recently helped to foster goats. My youngest just met his mentor for the first time. The duo went on a successful ice cream date. Their Bigs have truly been a blessing.”

Anyone can become a mentor as the agency welcomes youth and adults of all races, ethnicities, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older and be able to commit a few hours a few times a month for at least a year and have a passion for positively impacting a young person’s life.

"We often are asked what the secret sauce in our program is,” says BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O’Donnell, who walks his talk as a two-time former Big Brother. “It is the loving Guardians and Sheila is the perfect example of why. Sheila is a true partner, and we are forever grateful for her allowing us into her family. It may take a village, but even villages need a strong leader, and Sheila is an amazing leader of her family.”

In its 74th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 20,000 matches and will serve nearly 4,000 matches this year. For more information, to become a volunteer or to register their children, your audience can visit: www.emassbigs.org.