Community Partners – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands
February 22, 2022
The ways in which children grow, learn, and develop are as varied as flowers in bloom. For some, they grow and thrive in any environment and circumstance, regardless of the weather or care. Others need specific conditions to grow, and if not met, will be stunted and underdeveloped. However, all of them when placed in an unnatural or traumatic environment, need specific support and intervention to truly thrive. Nationally, for nearly 120 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have provided supportive mentoring to unlock the potential of children; to provide that additional support for children to thrive.
Here on Cape Cod and the Islands, our friends and community partners, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands (BBBSCI), work with under-resourced families to provide their children with transformational, one-to-one professionally supported relationships with caring adult mentors, so that their children will thrive. Children’s Cove and BBBSCI share the belief in creating a community where children are free of abuse, their voices are heard, and where they can enjoy healthy, safe, and empowered lives. Our collaborative approach allows Children’s Cove to provide free training for staff and volunteers to recognize early indicators and respond to concerns of abuse. In turn, we provide opportunities for referrals of children we serve for safe and supportive mentors. BBBSCI want youth to achieve their full potential, which contributes to healthier families, better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities. Through three innovative program models we allow children more opportunities to be paired with a mentor.
The reality is that since March of 2020, boys in need of a mentor have waited nearly twice as long for a Big Brother, and of our 70-child waiting list, 60 of them are boys.”
However, to meet this need, BBBSCI needs volunteer mentors to support children in our community. Beginning on March 1, 2022, they will be launching their “60 Guys in 30 Days” campaign to find safe and supportive mentors for boys across Cape Cod and the Islands. JR Mell, Executive Director of BBBSCI, tells us that “the reality is that since March of 2020, boys in need of a mentor have waited nearly twice as long for a Big Brother, and of our 70-child waiting list, 60 of them are boys.”
To try to shorten this wait list, BBBSCI will be at Bad Martha’s Brewery in East Falmouth on Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 5:30pm-7pm to kick off their campaign. The agency aims to provide a venue for people to join them, learn about the need for mentors, especially male mentors, and formally announce the launch of their campaign.
JR states “this night will be a way for people to come out, meet some of our current Bigs, staff, and get a better understanding of what it means to be a mentor with our program.”
There is no cost or commitment to attend the event. Bad Martha’s has generously donated their space and food for the night. Raffle prizes and a cash bar will be available for those interested. In addition, the venue has both indoor and outdoor heated space available to meet everyone’s COVID comfort levels.
If you are interested in volunteering to become a Big, want to learn more, or understand other ways you can support our community partners please join them at Bad Martha’s on February 24th by registering on Eventbrite here. You can also find our more information on their Facebook Page or by calling 508.827.8170.
