Lake County group searching for a few more Big Brothers

More than 70 percent of children waiting for a Big Brother are boys.

But only three out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men.

While Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County seeks all volunteers to mentor a child, the organization now is pushing to attract more men.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County serves 800 children each year by creating partnerships between mentors who meet one-on-one with children.

Research points to the powerful, positive impact mentors make on children's lives, executive director Jeremy Foster said. After one year spending time with a mentor, little brothers and little sisters were less likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol, less likely to skip school and get along better with their parents and peers.

The mentoring includes student to student, where college and high school students are matched with children from a nearby elementary school. Lunchtime mentoring allows adults from corporate offices to spend one lunch time per week with their "little" (brother or sister). There also is the traditional community-based mentoring where the volunteer and young person do things they enjoy whether it be shoot hoops, do homework or just talk.

Foster said typically men work longer hours but also men may not be as accustomed to be the caregiver. The organization wants to start changing that mentality.

"For many children, who live with a single parent, often a mom, we're filling a void," he said.

But Foster stresses they are called Big Brothers because they do not serve as a father. They are a male influence.

A particular focus is to attract African-American and Hispanic males to serve as mentors.

"We want a positive role model from their own background," Foster said.

Children may define success as a television star or athlete they watch on TV. By meeting an adult with their ethnic background, he said they see another image of success they too can achieve.

Foster added Big Brothers Big Sisters will never turn anyone away. It is up to the parents if they prefer the child's mentor to be from the same background.

Through the program, mentors must commit to spend one hour per week with the child. No matter what the Big and Little do, the most important thing the mentor does is to be there.

"This is what this is all about. Just be there. Just be consistent. It changes their life," he said.

For information, visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lake County Web site at www.bbbslc.org or call (847) 360-0770.