|
Web Services provided by
| |
about us
 |
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of South Central West
Virginia was chartered in March of 1995 as a non-profit youth organization. In
December of 1996, the first Executive Director and Case Manager were hired. The
local organization received its Provisional Contract from Big Brothers Big
Sisters of America in June of 1997. In July of 1997 the first match between a
Big Brother and a Little Brother were made.
|
Volunteers
The most vital role of anyone involved
with our organization is that of our wonderful volunteers. They are caring,
committed adults who are willing to devote some of their time to helping at-risk
youth in our community.
There are a few minimum requirements for becoming a "Big" Brother, Sister, or
Couple for our agency. The volunteer must be at least nineteen years of age and
reside in either Kanawha, Jackson or Putnam county. The adult must have a valid drivers
license and reliable transportation. Furthermore, in order to volunteer, a "Big"
must be willing to commit to at least one year of volunteer service. We
ask that adults volunteer 6-8 hours per month.
The application process includes a personal interview, a home visit, background
and reference checks, and a pre-match training session. Once accepted into the
program, volunteers are asked to meet with their youth protégés every two weeks
for three to four hours at a time.
Programs
One-to-one relationships between an
adult volunteer (or volunteer couple) and an at-risk child between the ages of 6
and 14 has been the mission
of Big Brothers Big Sisters for over ninety years. In order to serve more
children and enhance match relationships, the agency also provides group
activities and community service projects throughout the year.
Additionally, Big Brothers Big Sisters offers adults with time constraints the
ability to volunteer in the School-based Mentoring Program. These matches are
set up by Big Brothers Big Sisters with a school and enable an adult volunteer
to work with a youth in their school for one hour a week during the school day.
The matches only meet during school time and are invited to Big Brothers Big
Sisters sponsored activities.
Funding
Funding for the organization comes from
various sources. These include special events such as the Annual Myrtle Beach
Dinner Dance and Bowl For Kids' Sake. Also vital to the organization is
individual and corporate contributions. This grass-roots support for programming
and activities is the heart of our community service organization. Big Brothers
Big Sisters has also worked with government and local foundations to obtain
grant support for the agency.
|
