Vanessa Martin says her team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville needs some new volunteers to work one-on-one with kids in our area.
Martin, the organization’s Community Engagement Specialist, says it’s recruiting new volunteers for its in-school mentoring program.
“This program provides youth, typically in grades one to six, with a role model and friend to talk to and share experiences with,” Martin explains. “So, for an hour a week, you can build a child’s self-esteem and confidence, while having fun, playing games, making crafts, or just chatting.”
Martin says the program can have a big impact on kids, especially if they struggle to make connections with other people.
“A lot of these kids are looking for someone to turn to and listen to them, to talk about things going on in their lives, at home, or in school,” she says. “We just see them open up and have a lot of happiness in having that person to talk to and spend time with.”
Martin adds that the organization has a particular need for volunteers in North Grenville, where fifteen kids are on the waiting list for mentors.
If you want to volunteer, she says you can visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Leeds and Grenville office in Brockville.
