The importance of a mentor

Rochester and its surrounding counties have been fortunate enough to be part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization for the past 30 years. Their program offers a basic concept - to help kids build skills to succeed in school, graduate and become self- sufficient.

United Way funds the Mentoring program which provides guidance, support and exposure to positive life choices to at-risk kids thru a one-on-one relationship. Last year, our funding helped 625 kids.

In 2000, BBBS started a school based program where they would match a high school student to a elementary student. An interesting element to this new program is when they are choosing the high schooler, they choose someone who is an average student- not an “over achiever.” It has shown that 90% of the kids involved are more likely to make better decisions about relationships and drugs.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was actually featured in an issue of our news magazine, Real Time. Read about Mohamed Gazali and his experience with BBBS here.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is always in need of mentors. There are 115 kids on the waiting list and of them, 88 of are boys. If you or someone you know is interested, check out their web site for more information.

Holy Childhood Fundraiser

Our Spring campaign is in full swing and we are hearing some great stories about the different fundraisers going on to raise money for United Way.

Students over at the School of the Holy Childhood made a lunch for the staff and charged $4 with all proceeds going toward their campaign. The students did everything from making signs, creating the menu, and making and serving the food! The lunch raised $240 toward their goal!

Two thumbs up to the students at School of the Holy Childhood.

If you haven’t already, check out my previous blog to learn more about SHC.

If you have a great fundraising idea that you would like to see on our blog, send me an
e-mail at Elizabeth.lewis@uwrochester.org