(left to right) Recent Mentor graduates Jerry Laidlaw, Amanda Peebles and Colleen Provost.

Program creates mentoring opportunities

Most of us are familiar with the work of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.  For over 90 years, the Big Brothers Big Sisters program has made a difference in the lives of children, youth and their families by facilitating a friendship where one is needed.  In Canada, over 26,000 children currently are matched in one-to-one mentoring relationships.

Many young people with disabilities leave school without adequate experience and skills for community inclusion.  Many adults with disabilities have overcome these challenges and gained valuable experience that they can effectively share.

Mission, BC volunteers Linda Golightly and Bonnie Hamilton approached the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization to utilize their proven mentoring program and connect adults with disabilities from the community with students with disabilities from high schools.

“It seemed logical to extend the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring concept to youth at the high school level,” explains Linda.

Mentoring contributes to successful transitions. “We saw the success of mentoring for elementary school age children and felt it could be effective for older youth who are challenged to make the transition to adulthood,” says Bonnie, who was then temporarily employed with Big Brothers Big Sisters (Abbotsford, Mission, Ridge Meadows).

“We modified our programs with increased levels of support and coordination to address the unique needs of youth with developmental disabilities who are in transition to adulthood,” adds David Sheach, Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director.

In the fall of 2007, a Steering Committee was formed that  includes representatives from the Mission Association for Community Living (MACL), Mission Public Schools, Community Living BC (Upper Fraser CLBC), Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mission Self Advocates.

The project idea had immediate support from the Steering Committee, with CLBC and Mission Association for Community Living offering financial support.

“This idea is a great fit for those we support. We wanted to expand the networks of community support and services for people with developmental disabilities,” says Robert Keys, MACL Executive Director.

Further, Mission Public Schools provided free space at Fraserview Elementary school, and donations of office and furnishings flowed in.  The vision was becoming a reality.

Four mentors have completed the screening and training program and received their official mentor status from Big Brothers Big Sisters. They’re now anxious to be matched to their “Littles”. They’re looking forward to building lasting friendships and to helping guide them by experience, through the changes that come with leaving school, getting that first job, and attaining the greater independence that comes with adulthood. 

“I just like being able to help”, comments Colleen Provost, one of the recent new mentors.  “We can all learn from each other’s experiences.”

For more information on the program, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abbotsford, Mission, Ridge Meadows at 604-852-3331.