Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida seeks volunteers to serve as role models

Collin Bestor, Northwest Florida Daily News
·3 min read

PENSACOLA — In 1904, a New York City court clerk named Earnest Coulter noticed a large number of children coming through the court system and wanted to help the kids stay out of trouble.

Nearly 120 years later, the organization he started, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, pairs more than 109,000 kids with role models each year, hoping the interaction gives them a better chance at becoming successful community members.

"Our business is about volunteers coming through the door and matching them with kids on our list," said President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Paula Shell.

According to Shell, about 60 kids across Okaloosa County need a big brother or sister.

"Many of our kids come from single-parent households," Shell said. "The parents aren't bad; they just need a little bit of help to grow and ensure their child grows up to be successful... some kids have never been to the beach; some have never been to a movie."

2022 in review

Of the five counties that make up the Northwest Florida chapter, Okaloosa County serves the second-highest number of children, behind Escambia County.

"This past year, we touched the lives of 565 children, a 10% increase over the previous year," Shell said. "We want all children to grow up healthy, safe. And as staff, we have a personal interest in seeing our children succeed and believe we have a moral responsibility to ensure all children are prepared as they grow into productive community citizens. Our goal is for our littles to be self-sufficient and earn a living wage by the age of 26. And to achieve this goal, they need strong role models and relationships with adults who nurture their confidence and their character."

Eighty-seven percent of those kids were on time and promoted to the next grade level. Eighty-one percent of kids either maintained or saw an improvement in school attendance. Eighty-two percent of kids had no behavioral referrals or suspensions.

Qualifications to be a Big

The primary concern of BBBS of Northwest Florida is the safety of everyone involved. The minimum qualifications for a role model are as follows:

  • At least 18 years of age.

  • 12-month commitment from the day you are matched.

  • Weekly contact with your little one at a minimum of two times per month in person.

  • Reliable transportation.

  • No DUI or DWI convictions within the past three years.

  • No drug use or substance abuse in the past three years.

  • A copy of your Social Security card or W-2 form.

Budget talk Okaloosa County works through 2023-24 budget: No millage rate increase expected

The Big Scoop

On Sept. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida will hold a fundraising event called "The Big Scoop" at Emerald Coast Harley-Davidson. The event will have free admission and will be an all-you-can-eat ice cream extravaganza.

All the proceeds raised during the event will help Big Brother Big Sisters with their initiatives in Okaloosa County.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Okaloosa needs role models for kids