January is National Mentoring Month, and this year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Western North Carolina is celebrating it by recruiting more adult and high school volunteers, as well aschildren and youth who need an extra someone on their side.

“One truth I know,” said Lelia Duncan, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, “is that we are all called to take care of one another, to encourage, to uplift, to hold a space for others to be listened to and valued. There is nothing more important, nothing closer to the divine, than to be present and to take a moment to nurture those around us, especially children and youth.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC is especially effective in helping young people feel valued and heard. Surveys of school personnel in the 2018-2019 school year show that, among BBBSWNC Littles in community- and school/site-based programs …

– 94% became more self-confident
– 88% got along better with their peers
– 89% improved relationships with adults
– 87% became better at problem solving
– 87% became more motivated to learn

National Mentoring Month is the time of year where engagement from community members interested in becoming a mentor is highest. This year, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is encouraging the public to go beyond just digital engagement – and become involved in real life. Mentoring relationships are at their best when connections are made between a caring adult and a young person who knows that someone is there to help guide them through real-life decisions.

To learn more about becoming a Big Brother or a Big Sister in Henderson County, contact Program Coordinator Morgan Harris at (828) 507-6644 or email morganh@bbbswnc.org. You can learn more about serving across the 18 county region by visiting www.bbbswnc.org.