By BERNADETTE LAURITZENLos Alamos
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) would like you consider making a difference in the life of a child through one of two youth serving programs.
Los Alamos and Rio Arriba Regional Director Dawn Brown works to match adults and youth in a one-to-one mentorship program established in 1904.
“We find that only having one focus within our national and regional organizations helps us to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better,” Brown said.
BBBS offers a site-based or school-based program, also known locally as Lunch Buddies, where adults spend one lunch period, approximately 45 minutes per week with their “little.” The commitment for the program is one year, which allows the youth to have an adult to count on during that time period.
“The Big Brother or Sister brings their lunch, as does the Little Brother or Little Sister,” Brown said. “They meet in a designated room; the matches can play games, do arts and crafts, talk, read or play outside. If an adult has more time to spare, the community-based program allows pairs to meet 2-4 times per month, 6-8 hours a month, wherever they would like in the community. The activities our matches attend are what they prefer and like to do,” Brown siad. “Some matches just hang out and toss a football; while others enjoy hikes and camping. Some may prefer baking, rock hunting, or swimming.”
Brown explained that their matches also are offered many match activities sponsored by BBBS-NNM and area organizations. These activities have included; The Puye Cliff Dwellings annual tour, horseback riding lessons, golfing, skating, and attending the Santa Fe Opera and The Santa Fe Rodeo.
The program also offers volunteers continued support throughout the length of the match from their degreed and professionally trained program staff. While the community program requires a one-year commitment, the BBBS team hopes the matches will carry on much longer.
Brown described what the program has meant to her since joining BBBS 18 months ago.
“I have enjoyed observing the interaction of the matches and hearing from parents and guardians about what our program has meant to their child and to their family,” she said.
BBBS always has a constant goal of striving to match youth to caring adults and driving to raise funds for program goals.
Registration for golfers is underway for the third annual Los Alamos Rio Arriba Regional Board “Drive for Matches.” The local golf tournament is at the Los Alamos Golf Course July 26. Those wishing to learn more can email Brown at dawn.brown@bbbs-nnm.org, call 505.614.4231 or visit www.bbbsnorthernnnm.org.
