For 49 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland has been connecting young people facing challenges with mentors who share their interests. Since 1975, the organization has provided life-changing free mentoring programs to vulnerable children and youth.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland helps youth between 6 and 17 years old, offering mentoring support through shared interests, games, and positive role models. The program helps boost social-emotional skills, mental health and well-being, education, and job readiness for children and young adults. In 2023, it helped 469 young people in Metro St. John’s, which has about 28,000 youth who could potentially benefit through the program.

Most of the young people in the program have faced childhood hardships, and having a “big sibling” can help lessen the impact, shares Julie Power, Program Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland. Without guidance, challenges like violence or health issues can hold them back. Mentors help by making kids feel seen and valued, meeting with them two to four times a month for at least a year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland is currently looking for male mentors as demand has increased exponentially over the past few years. With around 60 kids on the waitlist and 60 more waiting to join, 80% are boys who are in need of a mentor. Program director Julie Power says the key quality they seek is simply good listening skills.

Source: CBC