East Paradise

If someone were to ask “What did you do today?” wouldn’t you feel better if your answer could be “I helped a child become more confident” or “I was a role model.”

            Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) has been part of the Las Vegas community since 1973. In the BBBS program, a volunteer “Big” meets with an at-risk child once a week where they build friendships and play a part in activities that improve their “Little’s” ability to make decisions.

            “We served over 1,000 children last year,” said Courtney Teitler, Vice President of Program Services, at BBBS of Sothern Nevada. “We have a fairly extensive waiting list of children, just over 300.”

            Children served by BBBS are among America’s most vulnerable kids who live in poverty or single-parent homes where a parent is incarcerated. According to www.NewsRx.com, having a Big Brother or Big Sister increases a child’s chances of succeeding in school and staying away from negative influences. The mentoring program provides ongoing support for children by breaking negative cycles and improving the children’s odds of avoiding drugs and alcohol. Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children sustain long-lasting relationships and behave nonviolently.

            “I was a Little Sister for about seven years,” said Kathy Fox, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) student. “I hope to be a Big Sister for at least that long, because I know what a huge difference it made in my life.”

            Currently active in 18 Clark County School District schools, BBBS has a site-based mentoring program. In these programs a volunteer meets with a child once a week at a specific, supervised location to participate in activities designed to increase grades, social skills and respect for authority. The organization has helped children reach their full potential through one-to-one structured relationships, even in this difficult climate of budget constraints.

            “Sometimes when people call to volunteer, we steer them to the site-based program, but some prefer the traditional program,” said Erin Cornelius, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada.

            BBBS volunteers can see a different side of Las Vegas and often participate in activities in the community that they wouldn’t necessarily participate. Volunteers say it is a way to be a part of the community that they call home and give something back while making a difference in the life of a child, their family and their neighborhood.

            “I’ m from Vegas and I love it here, but so many of my classmates are from other places and say they hate it here,” said Fox. “They aren’t really involved with the community though. Because if they were, they would know there is so much more to Sin City than the Strip.”

            Volunteers provide a child with the opportunity to see college as an attainable, positive goal. A new Big Brother Big Sisters of American scholarship administered by the United Negro College Fund aims to encourage students to commit to service through mentoring. The Hill Harper Mentoring Scholarship is named for mentoring advocate, Harvard Law School classmate of President Barack Obama and longtime Big Brother, Hill Harper.

            “College students serve as great “Bigs” as long as they are consistent and fulfill their yearlong commitment,” Teitler stated.

            BBBS volunteering gives Bigs the opportunity to strengthen other relationships. Volunteers that may be an only child, now have the chance to have a little brother. Volunteers that are the oldest siblings often know what it is like to baby sit their siblings. Volunteers give those children the chance to be a child. Even volunteers that are the youngest in their families can be the “Bigs” and enjoy the chance to pick the movie or decide what goes on the pizza. A different relationship gives you a different point of view in to the ones you already have.

            “I am the youngest of five brothers and sisters; my “Little” is the oldest of four siblings,” said Fox. “I never realized how much I relied on my older brothers and sisters until I heard all of the things my “Little” does for his siblings.”

            BBBS volunteers make a positive change in our community and in the lives of children. The “Bigs” in Las Vegas are changing the lives of those around you in just a few hours a month.

            Somebody always wants to know “What did you do today?” How many times will you have to say “not much.”

            For more information, go to BBBSN.org.

 -Karen Cress