TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette is seeking mentors right now. It's been a tough year for the organization during this pandemic.
As Covid-19 discourages gathering and human interaction to help stop the spread of the virus, that has directly impacted the organizations recruiting methods.
There are currently 28 "littles" in need of a mentor, 18 boys, and 10 girls. Executive Director, Chad Krockover said male mentors are especially on their radar right now. Even before the pandemic, they've struggled to recruit male mentors.
The goal of this mentorship program is to provide a positive role model and support system for the kids. Mentors can plan weekly events or just take the kids to run errands, it's all about building relationships.
Krockover said mentoring these young kids can have an effect that carries on for generations.
"The more kids that will be confident and successful later in life, the more kids that will graduate high school, move onto a career, move onto college, we're just here to help these families mentor these kids," said Krockover.
He wants to break the misconception surrounding what it means to be a mentor.
"It only costs their time," said Krockover. "The program is not designed where they're going to be spending a ton of money, they're building a relationship with the kids and as we know, we need to be there and you need to care."
Only nine kids have been placed with a mentor so far this year. The goal is to have at least 40 mentors by the end of the year.
Click here to begin the mentorship enrollment process.
Mark your calendars, Big Brothers Big Sisters is gearing up to host its biggest fundraiser event of the year. On Saturday, Apr. 10 at Market Square Lanes Bowling Alley. It'll be both an in-person and virtual fundraiser. The virtual part will be held on Facebook Live. Right now they're looking for sponsors and people who are willing to pay to bowl.
The money will go directly to helping the kids they serve. Every thousand dollars raised helps fund one Big-Little mentorship match. Click here to learn more.
