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August 21, 2007

Big Brothers Big Sisters

There is a lot of pride and sense of community in Polk County, with generations of families living and working here. But Polk County also has another distinction, with the third highest population in the state of children who have parents behind bars. Statistics show those children are 70% more likely to end up following in their parents footsteps. Big Brothers Big Sisters was fortunate to receive a $100,000 federal grant to reach those children in need, but time is running out. The grant deadline is September, and we’re still in search of adults who could mentor a child just a few hours a month. Not only are they making a difference in the life of a child, it is also a life-changing experience for the volunteer, too. And without those volunteers, Polk County will lose out on $100,000 of federal funds.

There are two main ways in which you can get involved:
o Community-based/Traditional Program – The volunteer meets with their Little Brother or Little Sister to share activities you both enjoy, on your own schedule. The best activities are low-cost or no-cost activities such as riding bikes, playing board games, baking cookies, walking, hiking, or going to a local ball game. We ask volunteers to meet with their Little at least three times a month.
o Bigs In Schools Program- The volunteer meets with their Little Brother or Little Sister weekly during the school day, on school grounds or at an after school center. You might hang out and shoot hoops, eat lunch in the cafeteria, read books in the media center, or review homework while sitting at picnic tables outside.
Enrolling is easy! Visit our secure website at www.bbbsfl.org and you can fill out an application, or feel free to mail the attached application to Big Brothers Big Sisters, 1231 E. Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33801. Once that’s complete we’ll call you for an interview and complete your background check. During the interview, we’ll find out more about you, and you can let us know what age of child you would feel comfortable with, what activities you enjoy, etc. Then you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Big! If you have any questions or would like to schedule an information session for those who may be interested, please call Carol Zoffinger, 863.682.5191 ext. 109; carol.zoffinger@bbbs.org.

Posted by Kristin Carlson at August 21, 2007 08:59 AM

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