Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program relaunching in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program is now making its return to New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.
Kalli Christ, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana & Greater New Orleans said, 'There are 81,000 kids in New Orleans that face enormous adversities. We need 81,000 volunteers to step up and say they are ready to commit, commit to spending time with a young person, but what I would tell someone is you don't have to be perfect to be a mentor, you just have to be present.'
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The biggest challenge with the re-launch is finding mentors. Currently they've made 15 matches.
There are two types of mentoring opportunities. The first option is school-based where the mentor visits their 'little brother' or 'little sister's' school and meets with them weekly.
The other is a community-based option for mentoring, where they do an activity together for two to three hours a month.
'Spending time together over pizza. 15 minutes over a cup of coffee or 30 minutes of playing football. This makes an incredible impact on young people,' Christ said.
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Christ went on to say, 'Mentorship can counter those adversities by providing guidance, fostering hope, and inspiring resilience in that person.'
Big Brothers Big Sisters teamed up with KIPP New Orleans, InspireNOLA Charter Schools, Dillard University, Son of a Saint, and others to build their network for 'bigs' and 'littles.'
Visit their website for more information if you'd like to be a mentor or know of a child that would be a good fit for the program.Suspect held without bond following death of Kansas City Super Bowl reporter
Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program relaunching in New Orleans
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