County Connections: Big Brothers Big Sisters launching new volunteer effort
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Stability plays a pivotal role in the emotional development of youth – fostering the confidence and focus needed for their long-term success. Yet, the past two years have offered our communities anything but consistency. From illness to inflation, our recent past has proved the adage that “Change is the only constant.”
While many are eager to see normalcy return to our daily lives, the reality of many children is being defined by these uncertain times. Feelings of loneliness and fear are increasingly common in our schools, with impacts that impede the academic and social success of the next generation.
But with the support of caring adults, vulnerable children can learn to connect with their community in new and positive ways – growing resilient amid the most difficult circumstances.
Entering its 50th local year, Big Brothers Big Sisters is dedicated to building exactly this type of bond – bringing adults and children together in lasting, intentional friendships. To further that mission, they are launching a new program to serve more children in need, entitled Big for a Day.
“Our waiting list is as high as it’s ever been,” explained Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Jolyn Pugh. Currently, more than one hundred local children are in need of mentorship, and over 80% of these youths are boys.
“More kids are needing the services coming out of the pandemic and less volunteers are signing up,” she continued.
Big for a Day is designed to help encourage local volunteerism, offering a flexible, variety-focused opportunity to inspire adults and youth alike.
A perfect foray into mentorship for new volunteers, Big for a Day features one, two-hour activity session from 5 to 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. During these pre-planned adventures, adult volunteers are paired with children for shared playtime, all in a safe and supervised environment.
Previous programs have featured disc golf, flower bombs, mindfulness education and dance parties, with activities led by local businesses and organizations, such as Cristy’s Pizza and Job and Family Services. Crafting and coloring are also ongoing program features, offering quiet recreation for shy children.
“Mentoring is not really that scary,” Pugh shared with a laugh.
Community groups with program ideas are welcome to reach out to Pugh and her team, and a variety of recreational activities, sports and creative endeavors can be incorporated into each session.
“It’s been really well received by the kids who have attended. We have had some kids come every time,” explained Pugh.
But since Big for a Day is designed to create one-to-one connections, the number of children served is limited by the number of volunteers willing to join in the fun.
To further address the need for volunteers, Pugh affirms that community organizations can participate in Big for a Day, enjoying a sense of togetherness while learning more about mentorship.
And while the goal is to connect adults with children for extended friendships, Big for a Day participants are able to choose their level of involvement – serving as a Big for a Day on one occasion, or many occassions, as their schedules permit.
“We want to be that steady consistent to help children forget what’s going on at home or at school. “Many kids wait a year on the list. That is 365 missed opportunities to provide that child with guidance and friendship,” Pugh concluded.
For more information about serving as a Big for a Day volunteer or program host, please email Jolyn Pugh at jpugh@bbbs-fairfieldoh.org. Information about additional mentorship opportunities and special events, including the upcoming Laugh for Kids’ Sake fundraiser, can be found by visiting https://www.bbbs-fairfieldoh.org/.
Friday, August 5, from 7 to 9 p.m., The Jack will bring Classic Rock to the Lancaster Bandstand stage. Concert will take place at Zane Square and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Ordering from local restaurants will be available, as well as the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. For more information, please visit lancasterparks.com/special-events/friday-night-band-stand.
Now through Saturday, Aug. 6, the Village of Baltimore will host The Baltimore Festival. This year’s event will feature the Baltimore Festival 5-K Race, food and craft vendors, rides and fireworks. The British Invasion, Hillbilly Deluxe, Terry Douglas, and more, will provide live music. For more information, and a schedule of events, visit https://baltimorefestival.org/.
Now through Sunday, Aug. 7, Ohio University Lancaster Theatre will present Jonathan Larson’s RENT. Tickets for the show are $20. To purchase tickets at the box office, call 740- 681-3353. For online ticket purchases, please visit https://commerce.cashnet.com/oul-theatre.
Please continue to contact me about Fairfield County events at tkellyfairfieldcounty@gmail.com!
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Big Brothers Big Sisters launching new volunteer effort
