In the heart of Fredericksburg lies an organization dedicated to defending the potential of its youth, one mentorship at a time. Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg (BBBS) is more than just an organization; it’s a beacon of hope for children navigating adverse circumstances. With a mission to ignite the power and promise of youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships, BBBS aims to ensure that every child achieves their full potential.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg is thrilled to have been selected as CNEW’s Nonprofit of the Year for 2024. The organization is scheduled to speak at the upcoming Women’s Symposium on Friday, March 22, and will be actively participating in their events throughout the year. This presents a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the profound impact of mentorship, as having advocates within the community is vital.
Families turn to BBBS seeking role models who can provide personalized support to their children. BBBS Greater Fredericksburg enrolls children between ages 6-13. The organization requires a one-year commitment from both the parent/guardian, child, and volunteer mentor, grounded in research that underscores the positive impact of long-term mentorship on children’s outcomes. These matches can extend beyond the initial year, spanning through high school graduation.
The backbone of BBBS lies in its dedicated staff and mentors who provide a network of resources to build social capital. Mentors and mentees engage in a variety of activities that relate to their interests and areas for growth. From working on homework, going out for ice cream, playing a sport, or attending a BBBS hosted event, their experiences together foster a sense of discovery that can lead to new talents and passions.
Mentoring is a proven method to support the development of children. Benefits include an increase in academic performance, reduced engagement in risky behaviors, and improved social competency. BBBS boasts impactful outcomes and impressive statistics: 93% of mentees express confidence in resisting negative influences, 86% have improved academic performance and confidence, and 92% feel a sense of belonging, which is critical for healthy mental well-being.
In today’s world, where mental health issues among youth are on the rise, the role of mentors becomes even more critical. According to the CDC, millions of young people have anxiety and depression, underscoring the urgency of providing support systems. Teen girls and boys alike are experiencing unprecedented levels of poor mental health, with increased rates of suicide ideation. BBBS serves as a frontline defense and prevention tool, offering hope to local youth.
Mentoring programs like BBBS help alleviate the burden on existing mental healthcare systems. By providing evidence-based support and fostering meaningful connections, mentors are there to actively listen with a nonjudgemental ear to help youth through challenging circumstances.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has evolved over the last 100 years. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) was founded when a judge allowed a court clerk to provide a positive role model for a child as an alternative to juvenile detention.
As an affiliate of BBBSA, Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg was founded by Reverend Thomas J. Faulkner, Jr. of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg. It began with the establishment of the Rappahannock Big Brothers agency in 1967. Then, in 1974, the Agency incorporated a Big Sisters chapter as part of its program, making it the first Big Brothers organization in Virginia to sanction a combined Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Rappahannock Big Brothers Big Sisters, Inc. changed its name during a rebrand to Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg in 2018.
There are several mentoring programs hosted by BBBS Greater Fredericksburg throughout Planning District 16 (City of Fredericksburg and the Counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline). The community-based program has the highest level of enrollment. One adult and one child are matched in a mentoring relationship and schedule time to meet two to four times a month.
The school-based program is an additional program offered in partnership with local schools. Adult mentors meet children at their school at a designated time and meet for an hour.
A new program being piloted this year is the Beyond School Walls program in partnership with the Fredericksburg Nationals. Mentees go to Virginia Credit Union stadium after school and meet one on one with a FredNats staff member once a week. It is an exciting opportunity for youth to go to a unique workplace to help them see possibilities for their future.
The stories of the children being served and the impact a mentor can have on their life are incredibly moving. For example, at the funeral for a mentee’s great grandmother, the mentee spoke and shared how special she was, how she was so important to him, and how she was the one that “got me my Big Brother.” She left him with many incredible gifts, including the connection to a reliable mentor, which he appreciated in some of his toughest moments.
Over the years, the community has stood in solidarity with BBBS, contributing significantly to its impact. As a nonprofit entity, BBBS actively engages with businesses, foundations, local government, and individuals, soliciting their support for the organization’s mission.
Popular fundraising events such as Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Golf for Kids’ Sake, and SantaCon are organized by BBBS to raise awareness and support. Additionally, BBBS seeks sponsors for Match Activities, which provide mentors and mentees with enjoyable experiences like Day at the Marina, a Valentine’s Party, and Breakfast with Santa. With an increasing demand to serve more youth, BBBS remains steadfast in its efforts to secure resources necessary to meet this pressing need.
In a world full of challenges, mentorship emerges as a powerful solution, offering hope, guidance, and a sense of belonging to the youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg is not just shaping individual lives, it is helping to shape a stronger future for our community. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us rally behind mentorship initiatives, recognizing their pivotal role in nurturing resilient, empowered, and hopeful generations to come.
For more information on how to become a mentor, enroll a mentee, or support the BBBS mission in other ways, please visit bbbsfred.org. Stay updated by following Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Fredericksburg on Facebook and Instagram (@bbbsfred). For inquiries, feel free to contact the organization via email at [email protected] or by phone at (540) 371-7444.