Mentoring Works-Big Brothers Big Sisters Announce Bigs of the Year

Jan. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winchester, Frederick and Clarke Counties (BBBS) announced the Bigs of the Year on Tuesday evening at Piccadilly Public House. Celebrating National Mentoring Month with an appreciation event, BBBS shared a relaxing night with their volunteers-known as Bigs-who serve as mentors to children ages six to eighteen in our region.  BBBS shared the announcement of their 40th anniversary in 2013 and an initiative to connect with any past mentors, children or board members who have helped the area agency.

Juli Ferrell, Executive Director, shared “We are always so humbled by the stories our families and mentors share about their experiences. This year we are celebrating those stories of changed lives and the ongoing impact these match relationships make on the lives of the children we serve. As we recognize our Bigs of the Year, we reflect on all past Big Brothers and Big Sisters, past board members, staff  and donors who have helped children succeed since 1973 and look to the next forty years of making positive changes in the lives of children facing adversity. ” BBBS is encouraging past volunteers, mentors, board members and staff, Bigs and Littles to contact the office via the BBBS facebook page or directly through the office at 540.662.1043.

BBBS 2013 Big Brother of the Year is Steve Kent, a Community Based Mentor for the agency. He has been matched with his little brother, Quentin, since October 2009. Meeting weekly with his little brother has helped greatly according to Quentin’s Grandmother. She applauded Steve’s consistency on the meetings, his polite nature and the good influence he brings to Quentin.

BBBS 2013 Big Sister of the Year is Ashley Mohr, also a Community Based Mentor. Mohr has been meeting with her little sister, Jocelyn since October 2008. Jocelyn has many siblings and her mother applauds Ashley’s role in her daughter’s life, noting that she gives her valuable one on one time. She appreciates that Jocelyn has the opportunity to experience fun things in the community with her Big Sister Ashley.

BBBS provides two program options for children to connect with a mentor one to one. Some children are visited at school and others are out and about in the community with their Bigs. BBBS focuses on professional program development which promotes TIME (Teach-Impact-Mentor-Encourage) between the little and Big.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winchester, Frederick & Clarke Counties is helping local children facing adversity reach their potential through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring. The vision for 2013 is to serve more than 100 disadvantaged children who have the highest risk factors in Winchester City, Frederick & Clarke Counties by providing mentoring relationships thereby contributing to better schools, brighter futures and stronger communities. Start Something BIG, donate or volunteer today. Visit www.bbbswinchester.org for more information.