Big Buddy

If you have ever contemplated becoming a youth mentor, you have heard of Big Brothers Big Sisters. This nationally renowned mentoring program has positively affected many at risk kids across the United States. In Clinton County, JCEO’s Big Buddy program is doing the same thing for local children. Role models from all ages and walks of life are volunteering a few hours a week to mentor a Little Buddy.

How it Works     Big Buddy receives applications from families whose children could benefit from having a mentor. They are matched with an age appropriate, same gender “Big” who has committed to mentoring for one year. The mentors are interviewed extensively and undergo complete background checks to ensure the safety of everyone in the program.  Once the match is agreed upon by all, it’s up to the Big and Little Buddies to determine when they meet and what fun activities they’ll do. 
 
Why it Works       Every child needs one-on-one attention and support. This fact transcends all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Working specifically with children from low income families, JCEO’s Little Buddies are not necessarily “at risk” in the traditional sense. By having less income, they are simply “at risk” of missing opportunities and not being exposed to different things.  Having adult mentors helps broaden children’s world views and contributes to their self development. Let’s face it, young people’s transition to adulthood is the result of a complex interaction between each person and their environment.  Big Buddy helps foster a broad, positive environment.

For over five years, JCEO has seen an amazing growth in the number of children wanting to be mentored. The children are coming from all walks of life. For some of them, having a friend who can be outdoors, play catch, and talk about everyday events is all they need.  The program has helped some kids’ grades improve and most of the matches become more than mentors – they become life long friends.

 

 

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be at least 19 years of age
  • Agree to spend three to five hrs/week with a Little Buddy
  • Commit to one year as a Big Buddy
  • Our success is measured one child at a time!

If you are unable to volunteer to be a Big Buddy, but would like to help the program in other ways please call (518) 561-6310.

DO YOU WANT A BIG BUDDY?

If you would like to have a Big Buddy in your life, please print and return the Little Buddy application below.  You will need the FREE Adobe Reader to print the application. You can download it FREE by clicking on the link below.

Click here to print our Little Buddy Application.

 
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