NBC26 Cares: Mentoring Month
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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin has created a site-based program to better fit mentors' busy schedules. Video by nbc26.com
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January is National Mentoring Month. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern Wisconsin is a local mentoring organization that has created a unique program to help change the lives of "at risk" youth. It helped Jenny Binsfeld find the perfect balance between career and community.
"Why I got involved, I've just always wanted to. I just felt the timing was right especially with the site-based program, because it allowed the flexibility with my schedule with my employer to make a difference," said Binsfeld.
Big Brothers Big Sisters developed the site-based program to accommodate busy adults who have difficulty taking time out of their nights and weekends to mentor a child. Barbara Vo-Koldos explained the difference between their two programs.
"Community-based, you're out in the community doing things. Going to the library, park, out in the community a couple of times a month. Site-based is a little bit more structured. You spend an hour a week at a school or a site."
Big Sister Jenny meets with 10-year-old Savannah Ruhnke at Valley View Elementary School. They play games, eat lunch and just talk.
"We have a lot of fun together and it's enjoyable," said Ruhnke.
"I hope that she knows that I'm here for her so that she can feel comfortable talking with me at any time if anything is not going right," said Binsfeld.
Currently, 110 children are on a waiting list to be paired with a Big Brother or Big Sister. Valley View Elementary School has identified 25 students who could benefit from the program.
"They are children facing adversity. So sometimes it can range from a child with an incarcerated parent, someone living with their grandparents or someone from single parent homes," explained Vo-Koldos.
School counselor Leanne Snell has seen a positive change in "at risk" youth who are matched with a mentor. "I think what they do with that connection with yet another adult is it gives them one on one time which is important."
Over the past year, Jenny and Savannah have formed a close bond. It's a friendship Jenny hopes will last a lifetime.
"It makes me really happy. I love working with younger people and I love seeing people shine and make a difference."
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