Times are crazy. If your child needs a mentor, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters. They want to help.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

“One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.” — John C. Maxwell

Sarah McNeal Weaver, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erath County, is reminding families that mentoring is available for local children.

“These are crazy times and the kids in our community need us now more than ever,” Weaver said. “I want parents to know that our program is still rocking and rolling and we have some great mentors just waiting for their match.”

The Covid pandemic has slowed the program’s ability to recruit new “Bigs” and “Littles” despite Weaver’s efforts to reach the community virtually.

“We have been doing some online recruitment to tell people about the program, but it hasn’t been very fruitful,” she said.

BBBS is currently mentoring about 60 children, but that number is down significantly from 2015 when there were 100 kids enrolled in the program.

Weaver said more male mentors are also needed, but her main concern now is recruiting children who could benefit from a good mentor.

She said there are several Tarleton State University students currently serving as mentors and making good connections with the children they are matched with.

“The mentors are all spread out right now, but they connect with their littles every week through Zoom,” Weaver said. “The littles love being paired with the college students.

“It only takes 15 to 20 minutes a week to connect and mentor a local child so the time commitment is very low.”

And getting involved is easy.

Simply email Weaver at smcneal@bbbstx.org and she will get right back to you.

You will be glad you did.