For more than 35 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has touched and helped to change the lives of over 5,200 young people. Matching caring adults with local children has helped to cut down the likeliness that these youths will skip school, start drinking or start using drugs.
Originally named Be-A-Friend, Big Brothers Big Sisters started out as a student-run club, however, the program became so big that it broadened its influences to the greater community and later to a national scale.
Communication and caring are the key values that Big Brothers and Big Sisters attribute to their youths. The mentors provide a role model and another outlet for children besides their peers and parents, by being able to share their life experiences with someone who understands.
"It was perfect timing when we approached UB about a partnership because it was right around the time of UB 2020, which meant getting the community involved," said Michelle George, a Big Brothers Big Sisters representative.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters organization runs two programs that allow participants, especially students, different opportunities to make a change in young people's lives. Students can volunteer with the community-based program or the site-based program.
Community-based opportunities allow participants the chance to get together and play sports, see movies, visit museums, volunteer in their communities or just spend time together.
The site-based volunteers work with children who need academic assistance or companionship. It allows participants to work with their children on site or under school supervision.
"My little brother came from a really difficult background and really looked forward to coming to the program," said Melissa Buchman, a senior psychology major. "(Being) the oldest of three adopted brothers, he didn't get a chance to do anything at home, even watch football. It was nice that he could come and play with me."
The only requirement volunteers must fulfill to participate in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program is having a social security number. Program directors encourage students from all academic fields and backgrounds to get involved, because it may be a life-altering experience.
Participants, in addition to having a mentor and someone to help them academically, are also taught study skills and attend presentations given by community leaders.
"UB has been a major source of our volunteers," George said. "There have been so many students who want to participate but didn't have their own transportation."
This semester transportation by bus is provided Monday through Thursday for volunteers leaving from Flint Loop.
"It was perfect for kids like me who don't have a car because they provide transportation right to the schools," Buchman said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is also the Amachi Program, which matches children of incarcerated parents with a Big Brother or a Big Sister. Volunteers are recruited from church congregations or other faith-based groups. Amachi, a West African word, means, "Who knows but what God has brought us through this child."
"The real magic is in personal developments with the Littles," George said. "If they talk to their Big about different possibilities, it encourages them. Being there for them makes all the difference sometimes."
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
