By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
In the words of Oprah Winfrey, “a mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters Puget Sound (BBBSPS), a mentorship program that serves King and Pierce Counties, wants to encourage everyone to become more involved in lives of local children through their mentorship program.
According to BBBSPS, they help nurture 1-to-1 mentoring relationships that empowers our youth, and helps them reach their full potential.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is doing all it can and envisions all of our youth achieving success in life,” says Kela Hall, publicist for Big Brother Big Sister. “Through positive relationships with role models, as well as life-changing programs, we want to inspire youth to achieve their potential.”
In 2019, BBBSPS served nearly 1,400 local youth who were mentored by committed and caring volunteers throughout King and Pierce counties and hopes to surpass that number in 2020.
Youth advocates believe that mentoring is important in the development of young men and young women because it provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success in education and in life.
According to Hall, mentoring helps children and youth succeed in school, build self-confidence, effectively handle their emotions, develop positive relationships, and avoid risky behavior like violence and substance abuse
“It does take a village,” says Tanisha Davis-Doss, Vice President of Programs and Compliance. “And research has shown that mentors are an intricate piece of our village for youth success.”
With innovative programs BBBSPS is undertaking and encouraging others to get involved by establishing a diverse set of programs aimed at uplifting all groups of people within the community, but it needs the help of everyone. Some of the programs includes Beyond School Walls, Black Male Excellence, LGBTQ mentoring, and MentorU, a career and college skills program for high school students.
Although new mentoring relationships are being made, BBBSPS says that there are over 700 young people in the area waiting for a mentor. Amid stress and uncertainty, young people need mentor support now more than ever.
One of BBBSPS’ successful matches, Derek and Marshall, have been together for over four years. Marshall was nine when he first came to BBBSPS seeking mentorship. Marshall was homeless and moved in with his grandfather, Duncan, whose fight to adopt Marshall finally ended last February with a successful adoption.
According to BBBSPS, Derek and Duncan work together to provide Marshall with love, support, accountability, and opportunities to have a bright future. Marshall and Derek share a passion for animation and playing football together. Throughout their fun activities, they also work through decision making, feelings and emotions and how to respond appropriately.
BBBSPS believes when kids have strong and enduring relationships like Derek’s and Marshalls, they have support, security, and a solid foundation that is needed to surpass expectations and thrive. Amid the pandemic, BBBSPS works to keep these relationships stable and provide kids and families with the resources for survival.
