On Monday March 4, 2013 Big Brother & Big Sister (BBBS) mentoring program were guest at The Fillmore Lions Club. Amelia Aparicio, BBBS, school-based supervisor along with Hope Wilcox, Diego Jacinto who are high school mentors, and Jaime Valdovinos who is both a high school mentor and a community “Little”, informed the club about the mentor program. BBBS serves over 230 youths and their families from Piru, Bardsdale and Fillmore since 2001. Fillmore High School students volunteer their time and assist local elementary school youth K-5th grade with homework, social skills and goal setting. Our progressive school-based and community-based mentoring programs have a positive influence in a youth’s life, which tends to lead to greater academic achievement and therefore a brighter future. Youth 7 to 18 who request a community-based mentor or “Big” are matched with carefully screened adult role models who are 21 years of age and over.

A “Big” is a caring adult that wants to make a positive difference in a young persons life. A “Little” just wants a dependable friend a role model that can be there for them; together they are a “Match”, having meaningful impact on each other and ultimately on the lives of many. A “Match Support Specialist” is a professionally trained social worker, which assists the match to have a safe, fun and rewarding experience. BBBS requires Big’s to volunteer a minimum of one year. A match can last up until the youth turns 21 yet the impact the Big makes last a lifetime.

As a nonprofit organization we depended on critical financial support to directly fund the agencies one-to-one mentoring programs. BBBS raises money from individual donors, corporate sponsors, special events, government funding and foundations. Bowl for Kids and our annual Golf Tournament are two of are largest fundraising events. Our mentoring programs continually evolve to meet the merging needs of our youth and their families. Our goal is that every child that wants or needs a mentor can have one. This Saturday March 9, BBBS will be sponsoring their annual Bowl For Kids Sake fundraiser, for more information on how to participate, donate or on becoming a volunteer contact Alice Rodriguez BBBS Match Support Specialist at (805) 910-6641. On April 6, 2013 BBBS will also be hosting the Citrus Blossom Century bicycle ride. To sign up for the hundred, sixty or ten mile family ride visit www.bbsvc.org and register today.