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Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Upper Peninsula -- serving Marquette, Alger, Luce, Delta, Dickinson and Menominee counties -- invites parents or guardians to enroll their child in the traditional Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Based Mentoring Program during National Mentoring Month.
BBBSCUP was honored with the Quality Award in 2023 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for providing and following the highest in quality standards for mentoring.
BBBSCUP is dedicated to defending the potential of children and youth through one-to-one mentoring, an evidence-based method of prevention that keeps kids engaged, builds resilience and helps to mitigate the negative effects of trauma. Youth "Littles" are between the ages of 6 and 18. Mentor "Bigs" are all ages from high school students to retirees. The one-to-one "matches" meet a minimum of four hours a month and establish connections through simple activities and outings. Community-based, school-based and site-based options are available.
When Little Brother Carlos came into the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at the age of 12 his three wishes were to have no more climate change, to have fewer diseases in the world and to have everyone in the world be in peace. He said when he grew up he wanted to be a mechanical engineer. Being with his Big Brother, Dan, in a long-term match helped Carlos graduate from high school, get his drivers' license, get a job, save to buy a car and realize his dream of going to Michigan Technological University to become a mechanical engineer. Carlos grew up in a rough household in a very isolated location in the U.P. He said through his relationship with Dan, the most important lesson he has learned is what family truly is. Enrolling a child in the Big Brothers Big Sisters tried-and-true Community Based Mentoring program can be life changing for a Little and Big.
Evidence shows that youth matched in a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program are 46% less likely to use illegal substances, 27% less likely to use alcohol and 52% less likely to skip school. Littles also show improved self-esteem and feelings that they matter within their communities.
BBBSCUP also provides ongoing training and support for youth, families and volunteers led by professional staff who pair each mentor match based on compatibility, energy levels and shared interests. Bigs sign on for a calendar year or a school year but can remain matched with their Little for a longer period of time if all parties wish to continue in the program.
Parents may enroll their child by going to bbbsmqt.org and clicking on Enroll a Child. After the application is received, BBBS staff will call you to set up an appointment to begin the process.
For more information, call or text Carli Frailing, vice president of programs, at 906-251-8047 or email carli@bbbsmqt.org.