INC NEWS - Bill Bell and the Big Sib!

[Ken Gasch]

In Mayor Bell's State of the City Address last night, the largest request he made of each of us is to find a young person in our community to mentor for the next year. He suggested contacting the Volunteer Center, 688-8977, if you do not have any other direct contact to find someone to mentor.  

The Volunteer Center has a specific program that fits this bill perfectly.  It is called the Big Sib program.  The person in charge of this program is Tasha Melvin.  Information is pasted below from the Volunteer Center's web page, www.thevolunteercenter.org


What is the Big Sib Mentoring Program?

The Big Sib mentoring program is designed to assist low-income children, between the ages of 6 and 16, involved with the Department of Social Services. These children, identified by a social worker as someone who desperately needs the friendship and guidance of an adult, are matched with positive role models who will spend several hours a week for at least one year with them.

The Big Sibs is a partnership between the Durham County Department of Social Services and the Volunteer Center of Durham.

Qualifications to be a Big Sib?
Volunteers must:  

    a.. Spend at least eight hours a month, making weekly contact with the child 

    b.. Be at least eighteen years of age or older. 

    c.. Have a driver's license, access to a vehicle, and a good driving record. 

    d.. Provide three references. 

    e.. Complete an interview and screening process with the program director. 

    f.. Attend the 3-4 hour Big Sib training session. 

    g.. Have a clean criminal record. 

    h.. Have a big heart and lots of love to share. 

What Is Involved?

The answer is simple-a friendship. Big Sibs are not there to take on the role of a guardian or to plan elaborate outings each week. Instead, Big Sibs are there to be a listening ear and to help the child explore his/her possibilities and interests.

Being a Big Sib also does not mean that you have to find tons of extra time in your already tight schedule. Big Sibs often try to include the child in the things they already do, such as grocery shopping or going to the library. It is important to help teach them basic life skills that they will use the rest of their lives.

Typical Activities

    a.. Go to the park
    b.. Bake cookies
    c.. Read a book
    d.. Visit a college campus
    e.. Go to the movies
    f.. Visit the police or fire station
    g.. Play basketball or tennis
    h.. Visit the airport or a museum
    i.. Go fishing
    j.. Fly a kite
    k.. Help a neighbor
    l.. Have a picnic
    m.. Plant a garden
    n.. Go to the library
    o.. Ride bikes
    p.. Walk or jog together
For questions or to get started, please call.



Tasha Melvin

919-688-8977 ext. 25

Director, DSS Contract

Volunteer Center of Durham

tasha at thevolunteercenter.org 

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