Big Brothers/Sisters to expand into Carpentersville, Elgin

Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Chicago are partnering to expand mentoring services in the Elgin and Carpentersville communities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a program that matches volunteer mentors with children ages 6 to 14. The mentor and child are matched in a one-to-one relationship for at least one year. During the course of the year they will enjoy a range of activities such as working on homework, computers, reading, board games, outings and having meaningful conversations.

More than 250 youth have participated in site-based programs in Elgin and Carpentersville during the past four years. Programs are held at Perry Elementary, Golfview Elementary, Elgin's Boys and Girls Club and Chase Bank in Elgin.

New programs are projected for the fall of 2008 to include three Elgin elementary schools and the United Methodist churches.

An advisory board of local citizens and service providers has been established to provide direction for future growth and to sustain high quality programs.

The advisory board members are: the Rev. Jon Hutchison, First United Methodist Church; Linda Hamann, Larkin Center; Diane Roche, Larkin Center; Dr. LaVeta, Small Youth Leadership Academy; Cheryl Wilkins, Centro de Informacion; Ken Nicolai, Salvation Army; the Rev. Willie Tate, Progressive Baptist Church; Jonelle Geib, Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center; Kimberly Foster Thomas, Garfield School; and Darron Barr, Leader Board.

There are 450 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies across the county. Outcome studies indicate that youth who are involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs are 52 percent less likely to skip school and 46 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has found that kids who have coping resources to meet everyday challenges become stronger and move forward. They report that Big Brothers Big Sisters programs have shown to address a range of issues that builds resiliency in children and develops assets and protective factors that helps youth transition into caring, competent, confident adults.

Big Brothers Big Sisters programs have a positive effect on the youth and their relationships with family, peers and in the school. To become involved or to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, call Linda Kuhn at (815) 385-3855.