Trending
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Upper Peninsula (BBBSCUP) is inviting parents/guardians to enroll their child in the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Based Mentoring Program during National Mentoring Month. BBBSCUP is having open enrollment in Delta County with the goal of having 10 new Littles join and become ready to be matched.
BBBSCUP was honored with the Quality Award in 2023 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for providing and following the highest in quality standards for mentoring. BBBSCUP currently serves over 40 Delta County youth in the Big Brothers Big Sisters trademarked "One to One" mentoring program.
BBBSCUP is dedicated to defending the potential of children and youth through one-to-one mentoring, an evidence-based method of prevention that keeps kids engaged, builds resilience and helps to mitigate the negative effects of trauma. Youth "Littles" are between the ages of 6 and 18. Mentor "Bigs" are all ages from high school students to retirees. The one-to-one "matches" meet a minimum of four hours a month and establish connections through simple activities and outings. Community-based, school-based and site-based options are available.
When Little Brother Carlos came into the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at the age of 12 his 3 wishes were to have no more climate change, to have fewer diseases in the world, and to have everyone in the world be in peace. He said when he grew up he wanted to be a mechanical engineer. Being with his Big Brother, Dan, in a long term match helped Carlos graduate from high school, get his drivers' license, get a job, save to buy at car and realize his dream of going to Michigan Tech to become a mechanical engineer. Carlos grew up in a rough household in a very isolated location in the U.P. He said through his relationship with Dan, the most important lesson he has learned is what family truly is. Enrolling a child in the Big Brothers Big Sisters tried and true Community Based Mentoring program can be life changing for a Little and Big.
Evidence shows that youth matched in a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program are 46% less likely to use illegal substances, 27% less likely to use alcohol and 52% less likely to skip school. Littles also show improved self-esteem and feelings that they matter within their communities. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the only evidence based mentoring program in Delta County.
BBBSCUP also provides ongoing training and support for youth, families and volunteers led by professional staff who pair each mentor match based on compatibility, energy levels and shared interests. Bigs sign on for a calendar year or a school year, but can remain matched with their Little for a longer period of time if all parties wish to continue in the program.
Parents may enroll their child by going to bbbsmqt.org and click on Enroll a Child. After your application is received, BBBS staff will call you to set up an appointment to begin the process.
For more information, call or text Carli, vice president of programs at (906) 251-8047 or email carli@bbbsmqt.org