Going through adolescence is never easy, and few students are spared the trials and tribulations of growing up. However, a group that many of heard of can help those transition years go by a little easier, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Georgia Mountains tries to create a welcoming environment that can help any child get through the tough times.

J.T. Finley, vice president of the mentoring organization, said that they are in need of volunteers that can spend time with the children in the program during the May 4th Kiwanis Club meeting.

“Calhoun needs help. The last thing we want to see is these kids fall through the cracks,” Finley said.

Currently, there are 45 kids (littles) that are waiting to be paired with an adult mentor (bigs). He also said that the advisory council for Big Brothers Big Sisters has only two members and needs additional council members.

Finley said that he mentors a now 15-year-old high school student that’s grandmother died shortly after his father’s death. He said that he realized that without his support in the program, the teen may have dropped out of school.

“My little brother is a freshman in high school and has gone the furthest in his family,” Finley said.

According to www.bbbs.org:

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring program that provides one-on-one attention to a youth. The goals of the program are developing positive relationships, encouraging students to stay in school and help at risk students build self-esteem.

Children are selected or recommended to the program by school teachers and counselors, who know that the student could benefit from a positive role model. Volunteers, age 15 and up, make a one year committment and spend time with the children on a regular basis, for example, a mentor may visit the school once a week.

Visit www.wix.com/gordonbbbs/BBBS or email gordon@bbbsnga.org for more information about becoming a mentor or serving as an advisory board member.