(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Ohio offers school-based mentoring among other programs that fall under the organization.
So what happens during a school-based mentoring match? Well, officials create a specific curriculum for school site-based programs where mentors meet with Littles weekly, October through April in their school.
Along with focusing on building a relationship and assisting with school work, Bigs and Littles also participate in activities together based on the 40 developmental assets. Based on research from the Search Institute, these assets help children avoid risky behaviors and become healthy, capable, effective adults.
Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has school site programs in the following school districts; Brown Local, Carrollton, Claymont, Dover, Newcomerstown, New Philadelphia, Strasburg, and Tusky Valley. The curriculum is created to impact Littles along with mentors. BBBS officials note that they often utilize high school mentors in many of the site-based school programs. This allows the organization to have a positive impact on even more children.
Throughout the year, Littles and Bigs participate in surveys to assess the program and program outcomes. From these surveys, officials create the intentional curriculum to meet the needs of the students in their programs.
Focus areas this year are:
Leadership
Avoiding risky behaviors
Relationship development
Appreciating diversity
Emotional Awareness
Teamwork
Communication
Empathy
Managing conflicts
Goal setting
Career guidance
Problem solving
Heathy living
BBBS officials also partner with community organizations to help Bigs and Littles learn about new topics and what’s available to them in our area.
Youth lead Prevention school groups – Avoiding risky behaviors
Directions Credit Union- Financial Literacy and reading
Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities- inclusion and awareness
STEAM Centers – hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and music
Be Yoga- yoga and calming techniques
Habitat for Humanity – Empathy
Dover Phila Federal Credit Union – Financial Planning
If you are interested in helping or partnering, please contact Mandy Thomas at mthomas@bigs4kids.com