Big Brothers-Big Sisters develop relationships

Despite the many classes at EMU currently requiring service learning hours, one local nonprofit organization in Harrisonburg is still in search of volunteers. Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County is always on the lookout for young-adult volunteer mentors who are willing to try to positively impact the life of a child.

One student at EMU is quite familiar with mentoring a child through BB-BS. Emily Havrilak has been spending some of her free time with a local youth, Justina, for over a year now. Aside from helping with homework, talking with Justina and doing creative activities Havrilak feels like a "little bit of a mom." Initially, Emily got invovled in BBBS because she is "a big kid" herself.

Havrilak and Justina enjoy spending time going to the mall, eating out and playing sports together. They also work together on some more serious issues. Since being matched with Havrilak, Justina has been able to concentrate more on school work and has "grown a lot." Emily, describes her own fulfillment in this relationship as "greater than expected."

Many BB-BS volunteers find that the relationship they develop with their Little Brother or Little Sister lasts for years. There is truly a unique sense of accomplishment in seeing a child grow and change.

While Emily was not required to participate in BB-BS, her desire to participate drove her to contact BB-BS through their website. Many students who desire to work with children are able to participate as mentors through BB-BS to receive service hours, if they are willing to make a commitment for the school year.

BB-BS offers ease and flexibility in volunteering as well. A Big Brother or Big Sister can spend as little as one hour a week with a child. Even this amount of time can have profound effects. Private/Public Ventures surveys show that children mentored through BB-BS are 46 percent less likely to do drugs, 27 percent less like to start drinking, and 33 percent less likely to hit someone. They are likely to improve their grades; gain a greater sense of self confidence, gain hope for the future.

Many people start mentoring with BB-BS because they desire to work with children. Most volunteers find fun and fulfilling friendship beyond what they imagined. If you are interested in learning more about the options for volunteering through BBBS, you can access their website at www.bbbshr.org or email the office at info@bbbshr.org. Volunteering offers an opportunity greater than completing service hours: it offers the opportunity to be a positive force in this community.