While looking through a local school newsletters, Stacey Poss with Big Brothers Big Sisters noticed they are brainstorming about literacy and anti-bullying programs.
Poss already has a solution for that but it will take volunteers from the community.
Through BBBS peer mentorship program, Poss has seen literacy, attendance and self-esteem go up through a child being paired with an adult or teen mentor from the community.
“We want to be part of the solution for our community,” says Poss.
National studies through the BBBS program are based on feedback and evaluations coming in from the schools on the improvements they see in their students.
Improved self-esteem is helping with the bullying aspect of school but Poss recognizes the fact that bullies needs assistance, too.
“Low self-esteem, those are usually the ones that get picked on but we know too, those kids that are bullying are often the ones that need attention.”
The BBBS mentors go in to interact with students either on their lunch breaks or after school to provide them with one on one time with an adult.
“All the mentors are matched one on one with a student they share a common interest with.” Says BBBS Caseworker, Amy Hogemann.
These mentors have something to give to that student, says Hogemann.
What sticks out for Hogemann when she is looking at evaluations from local schools is the kids that are starting to go to school because of their mentor.
Two students in the program were struggling to attend school but mentoring helped them be excited for school.
“When that student had their mentor coming in on Monday, it didn’t matter what was going on at home, that kids was there on Monday.”
For students who are having trouble, school is not fun for them. Creating a positive environment for the students is the mentors main priority, says Hogemann. That mentor is there to encourage and talk with that kid when they are having a hard time at school, says Hogemann.
“Some of the mentors are coming from the same spots as well. Maybe they remember not enjoying school. But looking back, they can help encourage that student.”
With finding a big brother and sister to be paired with little brother or sister, BBBS has littles, especially boys, waiting up to two years for the big match. With the school mentoring programs, BBBS works with the school to find a student for mentors who volunteer.
“When I have a mentor that is ready to go and ready to be matched, I phone the school and I let them know, this is the mentor I have, this is their strengths and where they could help.” Says Hogemann.
It’s really a collaboration, she says.
The mentorship program does not have kids waiting for a mentor, like the little/big matches, which is the most depressing part of the job, says Hogemann.
This school year, the program has reached all three elementary schools in Humboldt and the elementary school in Muenster with 4 mentors going in and giving their time to these students.
Before Christmas, Hogemann and Poss expect to have 8-10 matches made.
The activities are provided by BBBS and the schools provide the space and equipment for the activity, whether it be gym, outdoor or computer room space.
“It’s not hard to fill that hour with activity,” says Hogemann.
Growing up as an only child, Bronco Defenseman, Anthony Kapelke, always wanted a little brother or sister. Since moving to Humboldt, Kapelke has become a big brother to the family he billets with, as well as the mentoring program.
He’s enjoyed hanging out and helping his match take his mind off whatever is bother him, even for a just an hour a week, which is a benefit to both of them, says Kapelke.
“The teachers always tell me how he’s been looking forward to me coming. For the most part it’s nice for him and for me, we just play for an hour.”
Becoming a mentor has helped him give back to the community, says Kapelke.
Along with other Bronco players, St. Peter’s College staff and students are also helping with the mentoring, says Hogemann. There will be 2 matches in Muenster and 1 in Humboldt from St. Pete’s.
“They’ve really gone above and beyond this year.” Says Hogemann.
Volunteering as a mentor can really help high school students as well, says Poss. Building a resume and getting experience can help students in the future.
“The training that they get through our organization would benefit in many aspects of life.” Says Poss.
