BELLEFONTE — The Centre County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday declared January 2024 as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in Centre County.
Rebecca Lord, the local program director for Big Brothers Big Sisters, expressed gratitude for the proclamation, emphasizing the significance of the program in the lives of children and youth in Centre County. She highlighted the different backgrounds of volunteer mentors and the positive impact they have on the lives of kids.
“Our children and youth need this program because they need an additional caring adult in their lives who will help them navigate life, look out for them in their futures, introduce them to new experiences and just have a lot of fun with them and be a safe person for them,” said Lord.
Lord shared various stories, illustrating the impact of the program on individual lives. One notable example Lord shared was about a student with learning disabilities who, with the support of her mentor, successfully applied for and was accepted into a career center.
“Another story is Andrew, who was in our school-based program many years ago. He was in kindergarten at the time, he was selective mute, so he was really only comfortable speaking to very few souls,” Lord explained. “So, through some conversations with his Big and our case manager who was always on site, they discovered that he was really into Minecraft. His Big took it upon himself to make a cardboard pickaxe and presented it to Andrew at the next meeting. He just lit up and had so much fun playing with it and invited others into interacting with him. He just really became more confident in expressing himself and comfortable with the group.”
Christine Bishop, CEO of the Youth Service Bureau, which operates the local BBBS program, spoke about the ongoing need for mentors, especially male mentors. She emphasized that around 30 youth were currently awaiting a match with a mentor and encouraged community members to consider volunteering.
“You just heard how important it is and the great things that can come, kind of those immediate needs of having someone to talk to and share with, but it’s also with longer term needs because they know they have someone supporting them. That can really kind of help them flourish and get off on the right foot,” Bishop said.
Commissioner Chair Mark Higgins, Commissioner Vice Chair Amber Concepcion and Commissioner Steve Dershem all expressed support for the program and also urged members of the community to consider getting involved as mentors.
“I think it goes without saying how important family is to a child in their growing up experience, and I think a lot of folks do not have that as a luxury, as many of us did,” Dershem said. “To be able to look at an organization that kind of fills those gaps and provides leadership, mentorship and just general guidance because life’s a tough thing, particularly when you get into the early teen years.”
The BOC unanimously approved the proclamation, officially designating January 2024 as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in Centre County. Those interested in volunteering or getting more information can do so by going to ccysb.com/services/big-brothers-big-sisters.
