Little brother in need

Community group in Springfield seeks college role models for at-risk youth

February 03, 2010
By Courtney Walker
Copy Editor

Taking advantage of National Mentoring Month got a lot easier for some people in Springfield last month thanks to the local chapter of Big Brother, Big Sister.

“I wish more people could do it. I know people say time is precious but everyone can find time to give one hour to make a difference in a child’s life and their community,” corporate volunteer, Leigh Irons of Springfield said.

The vision of the Big Brother Big Sister organization of the Illinois Capital region is to provide a mentor to every child who needs and wants one, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities.

People of the community can contribute by supporting the organization financially, enrolling a child or volunteering. In doing so, it helps make a child more confident, improve in school, and aid them in making the right choices.

According to Director of Marketing & Fund Development, Denise Corcoran-Schainker anyone can make a difference, especially students.

“Students offer the children in our program hope. The Littles in our program learn from the UIS students why education is so valuable and see the fun experiences college has to offer,” she said. “The wide range of personal backgrounds helps the children understand anyone can reach their goals.”

This is exactly the cause of the reunion of Bigs and Littles at UIS on Jan. 28.  Corcoran-Schainker noted the success in the one-day campus event by the smiles and meaningful conversations displayed.

“The main focus of the program on campus is to allow the children to become more aware of the presence of the college and to encourage health and fitness. This week the matches just played games and talked.”

“I’ve been involved in several charity organizations but Big Brother Big Sister is really worthwhile,” Irons said.

“I never know how what I might say or do may benefit their lives but I know that somewhere down the line, even if it’s not today or tomorrow, but two years from now I know my time with them will have made a difference.”

Volunteers can donate as little as one hour a week or as much as fifteen hours a week to spend with a Little Brother or Sister.

Big Sister and Ambassador Counsel Member, Tammy Bull of Springfield said even with a hectic schedule she has time for her little brother.

“I meet with my Little once a week on his lunch and eat and socialize with him. The other program is the Community based program, which is picking up the child and doing things in the community with them,” Bull said.

“Hanging out with the kids has made me grow personally and relationally. Sometimes I think I get more out of being a Big than my Little does,” Bull said. “I love kids and the children we help today will hopefully grow up to be leaders in their careers and in their communities.”

By having the opportunity to get UIS students involved in the organization and with the children will promote the success of the Big Brother, Big Sister program. College students seem to be influential motivators for younger peers.

 “College students would be great mentors to children because it will give the kids a current example of someone that is bettering themselves through education,” Bull said. “Also, college students would be a great example to others in their own age group to get involved in their communities and take an interest in the children that will be following in their footsteps.”

The Big Brother Big Sister organization works to keep children in a variety of ages on track. Most children involved in the program are less likely to skip school, get involved in alcohol or drugs, and communicate better in school as well as at home.
“Our Mission is to help children reach their full potential through life-changing, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships,” Corcoran-Schainker said. “BBBS believes that what we achieve is more significant than what we do.  What we do is mentoring.  What we achieve is transforming lives,” she said.

Roughly 75 percent of funding for the organization comes from private donators. To get involved in Big Brother Big Sister or for more information on volunteering visit their website, www.bbbscapitalregion.org or call the local office at 217-753-1216.