The Saskatchewan Abilities Council and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Yorkton and Area are partnering to give kids and adults the opportunity to get out in the community and enjoy things most people take for granted.
There will be two separate programs, the Mutual Mentors Program, run by the Abilities Council and the Big Buddies program, which will be handled by BBBS. The difference between the two programs is the ages. The Mutual Mentors program will cater to adults 18 years or older, while the Big Buddies program will partner a child with a disability with an older mentor.
"These individuals have varying abilities, but are in need of a mentor. Someone to be a special friend, hang out, help build their self confidence, and just give them an opportunity to have a friend to something with," says Irma Van de Bon with BBBS.
The programs have been in the works for a long time, and Van de Bon says that BBBS has known about the need in the community from parents with kids of varying abilities. She says that working with Sask Abilities made sense, because each group had training the other needed. BBBS needed the disability awareness training for mentors who are paired with a child with a disability, while BBBS offers the Strong from the Start program, which helps mentors and mentees develop a strong, healthy relationship from the beginning. The plan is to share resources between the two organizations for the benefit of all.
"If we have a mentor apply who we feel would be more suited to mentor an adult, we will refer them to Sask Abilities, and vice versa."
Deana Jesmer, with Sask Abilities, says that this pilot project is something which has never been done before, and they are excited to get people in their day program paired with a mentor and in the community. There are already three matches in the Big Buddies program, and Van de Bon says that it is going well. The Mutual Mentors program has yet to begin, but there have already been applicants for both mentors and mentees. Van de Bon says studies have shown that mentors have a positive impact on peoples' lives, and the partnership was the best way to get those results and effectively serve people who have varying abilities.
Those who wish to be a mentor can call BBBS at 306-782-3471 or call Sask Abilities at 306-782-2463. Mentors will go through a background check, as well as the different training needed for the different programs.
