Make a BIG impact in as little as one hour a week
We are so fortunate to have great volunteers mentoring local children. Meet Barb, one of our In-School Mentors. The In-School mentoring program provides kids with a role model and a friend to talk to and share the experiences of growing up. For one hour a week, mentors meet with their mentee and engage in activities such as board games, crafts or just hang out on school grounds.
” I began volunteering in February of 2024 after retiring with over 45 years working in social services. Having had many years of experience I knew that volunteers can have a great impact on an individual. I had always said that I would volunteer in some capacity when I retired and I chose BBBS as I was aware of the need for volunteers. I went into my first match having the expectation that I was giving back and would be happy to be with people again. I quickly realized that my expectations were nothing compared to what really happened. I immediately had a heart felt connection as an in-school mentor with my mentee. I quickly learned that I was giving, not only my time in a very short one hour per week, but was gaining so much more in developing a real relationship with the student. I look forward to each week, anticipating what we could share with each other through fun activities like making jewelry, baking (which is a popular thing to do and is an envy of the other students in the school), crafting, painting (our self portraits of each other were a blast) or just chatting.
My staff contact Conner, is great at providing me with feedback from the students, teacher and principal at the school. It is nice to hear the feedback as it validates why this program is a success and it is nice to hear you (as a volunteer) are having an impact. By the end of the school year (June 2024) I had two matches at the same school. The need is great and I was happy to be able to gain another opportunity to meet yet another amazing student.
As I continue to see the 2 students weekly I am honoured that they are excited to get together each week, often having lots to chat about and lots to laugh about. As an In-School Mentor I guarantee you will get back way more than you give. To see the
students faces light up each week warms my heart and sets me on a course to have a great day.”