Supporters of potential since 1958, Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley (BBBSMV) serves more than 400 youths ages 5-18 and their families in a four-county region with the majority residing in Montgomery County. Their mission is to create and champion one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
Volunteers can mentor through community-based or school-based programs. Community-based mentors are asked to spend a minimum of six to eight hours monthly with their little brother or sister. School-based mentors meet their little brother or sister at their school. They may work on homework or enjoy playing a game.
BBBSMV Philanthropy Officer Chad Lovins has been with the nonprofit for four years. He has also been a Big Brother three times.
“My dad's involvement with kids brought me to Big Brothers Big Sisters. He always told me stories about working for Shawen Acres Orphanage and the impact he made on people’s lives,” recalls Chad.
Chad remains in touch with his first Little. He and Reggie were matched for 10 years. BBBSMV requires a one-year commitment when a match is made with the average mentorship lasting 31 months.
“Reggie taught me a lot. I think he prepared me for being a parent,” shares Chad.
Chad and his family were delighted to return to their hometown of Centerville after several moves. The job at BBBSMV was the icing on the cake and led to his third match. He and Cullen have been paired for more than three years. They enjoy various activities together, including soccer, basketball and football.
Cullen is just one example of a Little who has blossomed with his mentor. The growth Chad has witnessed in Cullen has been substantial. Chad says, “His manners in public have improved. He orders his own food. He’s on the honor roll at school. He also wants to get other kids involved when we play at a park now.”
BBBSMV has 35 Centerville-based matches involving either a Big or a Little. Predictably, the effects of COVID hurt involvement in mentorship programs. The goal is to get back to serving 500 or more kids annually.
The benefits for Littles are tremendous with 85% improving their academic performance in 2023. There was also a 90% improvement in depressive symptoms and 94% reported making better decisions.
BBBSMV has an urgent need for Big Brothers. There is a waiting list for Littles who need to be matched. Women are also encouraged to apply as Big Sisters. The process is relatively easy and can be started by contacting an enrollment specialist at BBBSMV. Bigs must pass a background check and complete trauma-informed care training. Matches are assisted through open communication with the BBBSMV support staff.
Support for BBBSMV can also be provided by attending or donating to annual events. A Back to School Bash is held each August. About 200 families receive backpacks filled with supplies for the school year. The Bright Nights event will be held August 8, and Fore! Big Futures is scheduled for November 8.
Monetary donations can be made on a one-time or recurring basis through the BBBSMV website. Donations and fundraisers help to cover the cost of matching Bigs with Littles. Each local match costs about $2000, which is $800 less than the average cost per match nationally.
Corporate sponsorships are also appreciated with some sponsors covering a specified number of matches annually.
Mentoring relationships have a lasting effect on the lives of youths and their adult mentors. Visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley website for more information on how you can help support a child’s future by volunteering, donating and participating in upcoming events. BBBSMiamiValley.org
“Reggie taught me a lot. I think he prepared me for being a parent.” Chad Lovins