Lexington, Kentucky, Jan. 7, 2019 – January is National Mentoring Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass (BBBS Bluegrass) is celebrating those who are already volunteering as mentors, “Bigs,” and also recruiting volunteers.
Every January, the news is full of the same stories: people are trying to eat more healthfully, hit the gym more often. This year, BBBS Bluegrass is changing that story and asking: What if this year, you could resolve to something more important, more impactful? What if you could make a resolution worth keeping, one that inspires more resolutions? In 2019, BBBS Bluegrass is asking people in Central Kentucky to resolve to become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
“Bettering yourself in the new year is a great goal,” said BBBS Bluegrass President/CEO Andrea Ooten “but we know people are also thinking about how to better their community and how to make sure that when they reflect on the year, they know they made a difference.”
More than 200 youth in Central Kentucky are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister, and the only way to ensure they have someone to inspire them to reach their potential is for more adults to step up and volunteer to become Bigs. Being a Big means committing to spending a few hours a month with a young person doing things that you love to do, like playing basketball, visiting the library, or learning how to cook. Some Bigs volunteer at partner schools and spend time with their “Little” one hour a week during the school day.
“There are many ways to get involved and make a difference in a child’s life – mentoring just happens to be one of the most powerful,” Ooten said.
Central Kentuckians can get involved with National Mentoring Month by signing up to become a Big Brother or Big Sister at www.bbbs-bluegrass.org/bigs.
On social media, supporters can get involved by following BBBS Bluegrass on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Throughout the month, BBBS Bluegrass is encouraging followers to tag a friend who would be a great Big Brother or Big Sister, using the hashtag #TheBigResolution. Visit www.thebigresolution.com to learn more.
BBBS Bluegrass served nearly 500 children in Central Kentucky last year. To learn more about the agency’s 2018 accomplishments and local matches, view the 2019 Community Impact Report at www.bbbs-bluegrass.org/2018.