OLEAN — Big Brothers Big Sisters invites those interested in learning more about the power of mentoring to stop by the Olean Public Library between noon and 3 p.m. this Saturday.
For over five years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie, Niagara & The Southern Tier (BBBS) has provided one-to-one mentoring for children in the Olean area.
Ashley Hall, Program Coordinator for BBBS in Cattaraugus County, encourages members of the community to stop by to learn about volunteering with the program.
“We are looking for caring adults in our community who are willing to spend a few hours a month being a volunteer mentor – a Big Brother or Big Sister to a local child,” she said.
Parents and guardians are also welcome to attend to learn about the impact that having a mentor can have on a child, both socially and academically. Spots are available to enroll a child who could benefit from the added support of a mentor. The program is free and available to all children regardless of income status.
BBBS has undergone a resurgence in Cattaraugus County over the past few years. The organization opened a new Southern Tier office on Front Street in June with support from local partners and community stakeholders.
“We’ve been serving Cattaraugus County for the past five years,” Emily Mahoney, BBBS CEO, said at the time. “Although I’m not from the Olean community, we do have some great staff members who are who work out of this office.”
BBBS offers local children evidence-based, best practices mentoring through three different program models each designed to best meet the needs of the child. Each program model provides the child with a mentor who focuses individualized attention on the child’s needs and an opportunity for the child to build social, emotional and educational skills.
In June, Hall said the community had been extremely welcoming and helpful in getting BBBS up and running in the county during the past few years. She said one in three children in the country is growing up without a mentor, and they have the power to change that for children in the Olean area thanks to the generous people willing to support us and volunteer their time.
“Our community is one that sticks together, is one that cares for one another and we’re going to get it done,” she said. “We have resources thanks to all of you to make some matches for some kids. Ultimately we want to do what’s best for the community, and that starts with the kids.”
The Olean Public Library is located at 134 N. Second St. To learn more about becoming a volunteer mentor or enrolling a child, you can also call Big Brothers Big Sisters at (716) 873-5833 or go online to biggertogether.org.
