Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties bigs and littles enjoy spending time together throughout Marquette. The mentoring program provides a safe space for young people to explore, learn and grow. In the photo at left, Aiden ,left, gets cooking instructions from Big Brother Bruce. In the photo at right, Klohe poses for an outdoor selfie with her Big Sister Kate. (Photos courtesy of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties)

By DREYMA BERONJA

Journal Staff Writer

MARQUETTE — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties is looking for adult volunteers from the Central Upper Peninsula to ‘join the village’ and become a ‘big.’ The area BBBSMA serves has grown to include all of the Central U.P.

With over 25 children currently ready, BBBSMA is asking for volunteers become a mentor to provide a safe space for a young person to explore, learn and grow.

“We have many options for volunteering,” said Jayne Letts, executive director for BBBSMA. “Mentoring is flexible for people with busy schedules and can be an exceptional, rewarding volunteer experience.”

Mentors can enjoy all sorts of activities with their ‘little’ including hiking, biking, group sports, reading, crafting, or even just sharing a meal together. Staff at BBBSMA will pair each mentor match based on compatibility, energy levels and shared interests.

“You can participate as an individual, a couple or a family,” Letts said. “There is an option for everyone.”

In a press release, BBBSMA said 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. Youth ‘littles’ also show improved self-esteem and feelings that they matter within their communities.

Eligible littles are between the ages of six and18, while mentors, or ‘bigs,’ can be all ages from high school students to retirees. Once matched, the ‘little’ and ‘big’ meet for a minimum of four hours per month and establish connections through simple activities and outings. Community-based, school-based and site-based options are also available.

While bigs sign up for a calendar year or school year, they can remain matched with their little for a longer period of time if all parties wish to continue in the program.

BBBSMA describes itself as 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.

For more information on how to become a mentor, reach out to Letts at jayne@bbbsmqt.org or 906-475-7801. More information can be found at bbbsmqt.org.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. Her email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.