Community Chronicles – Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh (BBBS) is the region’s premier, evidence-based one-to-one mentoring program serving Greene, Washington and Allegheny Counties. BBBS maintains two site-based mentoring programs in Greene County, one at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School and one at Carmichaels Elementary School.
The site-based mentoring program at Carmichaels Elementary school began in the fall of 2009. Mentors from the high school (“Bigs”) meet 1 day a week for an hour with their mentees (“Littles”) at the elementary school. The matches play games, work on crafts or homework and spend time building positive friendships. Matches are supervised by school or BBBS staff. In addition to regular weekly meetings, matches have taken field trips to Laurel Caverns and Ohiopyle. Matches also enjoy a yearly holiday party in December.
“The program at Carmichaels Elementary school is a great success! We have served 32 children since 2009 by giving them positive mentors to share their lives with. We’re grateful for the continued support of the United Way of Greene County which helps to make this program possible,” said Sara Thomas, Program Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Washington and Greene Counties. Gayle Caffrey, school nurse for Carmichaels School District said, “The program has been very positive for both the Bigs and the Littles.”
When matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister for at least a year, studies show that Littles are 46% less likely to start using drugs, 52% less likely to skip school, and 46% less likely to get arrested than other children who do not have Bigs. Our Littles also do better in school, they’re more tolerant, and they get along better with others.
If you are interested in learning more about Big Brothers Big Sisters please e-mail sthomas@bbbspgh.org, call 724.228.9191 or visit our web-site www.bbbspgh.org