Big Brothers Big Sisters Recruiting Volunteers

The weekly Wednesday’s Child reports normally focus on children who need to be adopted. But there are other children who have needs and other programs designed to meet those needs. One is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Idaho. They are launching a recruitment campaign this summer.

According to Executive Director, Judy Derouche, their specific needs are girls and boys between the ages of six and twelve and Big Brothers.

“We actually have a waiting list of Big Sisters, but it’s more of a challenge to get men to volunter,” DeRouche said.

Six year old Ayla spends a couple hours a week with her big sister, baking cookies, making craft projects and doing other activities.

“I love my her,” Ayla said. “If I didn’t have a big sister I would be sad. I wouldn’t have anyone to play with.”

Big brother volunteer, Nick, was brought up by a single mom. He knows the importance of an adult role model in the life of kids in that situation. He’s been matched up with a little brother for six months.

“He likes playing laser tag so we probably do it once a month,” Nick said. “He’d like to do it every week but I tell we have to do something else too.”

Any child who could benefit from the program will be considered. Men volunteers are especially needed. Volunteers like Nick say it’s rewarding.

“You’re having something that’s really special that you’ll be able to remember and treasure for the rest of your life,” Nick said.

Program director Judy DeRouche says it makes a difference in the kid’s lives.

“They don’t have a problem with drugs or alcohol,” DeRouche said. “We have never had a pregnant teen. It’s just an amazing program. We’ve never had a child that was arrested for a violent crime. We’re a prevention program and it’s a prevention program that works.”

For more information on the program call 208-523-4842 or go the the website, www.bbbsid.org.