A 10-year old boy (not pictured) is waiting in Fredericton to meet his Big Sister or Big Brother! He loves animals, baking, sports and going to the library. He loves to be outdoors and also loves video games. From his Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton and Oromocto mentor he is hoping to learn about science, skating and even some crafting.
Many young people find themselves in vulnerable situations and facing adversities such as mental health issues, family violence, identity issues or poor living conditions, which put these youth at risk of not reaching their full potential.
With the guidance and support of a mentor, these risks can be avoided, and these young people can gain the confidence to achieve more – higher incomes, happier lives, more contributions to their communities.
Our mentors advise and challenge these young people, act as their champions, provide greater consistency in their lives, connect them to broader experiences, opportunities and networks, and provide safe, nonjudgmental environments in which the child or youth can confide anything.
BBBS creates individual and group mentoring relationships amongst adults and youth.
Mentorship is two-way, learning and development partnership where the young person needs are placed at the centre.
Young people’s brains are still developing, and that process is supported through back-and-forth interaction like the volley in a good game of ping-pong.
Mentoring is an important way to give youth experience with these essential serve-and-return relationships, developing them into healthy young people better able to deal with and overcome life’s adversities.
We have a comprehensive infrastructure for supporting mentorship partnerships: detailed legal screening of mentors to ensure child safety; a broad network of professional staff supporting mentors and volunteers; systems for selecting, approving and supporting volunteers; referring families to agencies that provide other services if required for the mentee and theirfamily.
We are looking for Big Brothers and Big Sisters to mentor the future! Volunteer Today!