Nonprofit Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware

BY COLIN HEFFINGER

All Delaware youth deserve a chance to shine their brightest. Unfortunately, not every child has access to positive role models. These youth often struggle to develop confidence in goals, interests, and even themselves. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware (BBBSDE)—a member affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America—serves to fill this gap by providing specially trained and vetted mentors to meet the unique needs of 1,400 at-risk children every year.

As the oldest one-to-one mentoring organization in Delaware, BBBSDE has built a foundation on perfecting their evidence-based approach since 1964. Adult volunteer mentors (Bigs) are matched with at-risk youth (Littles) based on common interests and the child’s specific needs. These Bigs encourage Littles to see themselves positively and realize their full potential to lead a meaningful future.

Executive Director Anya Lindsey-Jenkins highlights the lasting impact of BBBSDE’s unique approach on children’s lives. “Our mentors provide youth with a friend, role model, and example of a positive community member,” Lindsey-Jenkins states. “This helps increase educational achievement, develop a plan for post-secondary success, and enhance decision-making skills. It also gives youth a meaningful outlet to talk and learn from someone outside of their family.”

Though a year could define a successful connection between a mentor and child, many relationships flourish well beyond the initial program period. Mentors can continue to play a positive role throughout the rest of the child’s K-12 years, even sparking influence for some youth to pursue similar career paths. With a range of flexible options to be involved in the child’s life through shared interests such as sports games or building robotics, mentors are able to contribute to the child’s life on the time that works best with their busy schedules.

Delaware’s distinctive mentorship approach grew to be immensely successful and was quickly replicated by hundreds of other Big Brother Big Sister agencies across the country. This consistent adoption ensures that at-risk children are provided the best care to build a strong foundation that serves them and their communities for many years to come.

Reflecting on the challenges of schools closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lindsey-Jenkins explains the importance of increased demand for mentorship services. “There’s been a year and a half loss of learning for young people,” states Lindsey-Jenkins. “There’s much work to be done. This is a time when our youth really need us and there often isn’t enough mentors to go around.”

As part of our future goals, we’re looking for more mentors to enroll and make a lasting impact,” Lindsey-Jenkins continues. “We’re hopeful to continue seeing young people flourish. Our role in making sure Delaware youth is empowered with what they need to be successful is as significant as ever.”

BBBSDE is always looking for dedicated mentors passionate to have a positive impact on the lives of Delaware youth. Interested volunteers can fill out an application at bbbsde.org/mentoring/apply-tobecome-a-mentor.