The Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Allen and Neosho County is relaunching. DEWITT said in the past the program lacked a direct focus but this has changed now that Vogel is staffed full time. COMMUNITY members can help raise funds for BBBS programs in the southeast Kansas area. Patrons are able to purchase tickets for a chance to win a Canadian Spring Black Bear hunt or Canadian fishing trip. Tickets are $80 each and the purchaser can choose which agency they would like to support. There are only 300 tickets available for each trip. The spring black bear hunt is a five-day trip in Quebec and is valued at $3,000. The second trip is a six-night five-day fishing package in Longlac Ontario for one angler. For more information on the fundraiser people can visit www.hhhunts.com.
“We have a new working model in the state and new practices in the program,” area director Rhonda Dewitt said. “We have new staff in place and are trying to better promote the program.”
Dewitt oversees the southeast Kansas area. Ashley Vogel is the match support specialist for Allen, Neosho, Montgomery and Wilson counties and is helping Dewitt. Vogel has degrees in family studies and gerontology. She recently was the administrator at Moran Manor. Vogel herself was a Big Sister when she was in college at Kansas State University.
“I know there is a huge need for this program here,” Vogel said. “We’ve made our first match in Allen County already.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentor program that works to reach at-risk youth in the community. Just like an older sibling, the mentor takes a youth under his wings and spends time with them. A mentor typically spends one hour a week in volunteering their time. Bigs and Littles are matched based on interests. If a child is interested in the outdoors then Vogel tries to find a Big that also has a passion for outdoor activities.
“We try to find them a Big who can connect with them,” she said.
Eight out of 10 Littles come from single-parent homes and live at or are below the poverty level. Six out of 10 Littles come from alcohol and drug addiction backgrounds.
There is a large need for mentors in the program. The BBBS office is located in the basement of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce office, 208 W. Madison Ave. Littles and Bigs can pick up an application at the office, call Vogel at 363-4277 or apply online www.bbbs.org.
Littles are ages 5 to 17 and Bigs can apply if they are 18 and older. There is no waiting list in place at this time. Vogel said they are currently accepting applications for both Bigs and Littles.
Different options for Bigs exist within the programs. A community based option involves individuals or families who spend time with their Little doing everyday activities three to four times per month. Site-based matching is when individuals meet with their Little once a week at a specific site. These options can also be combined.
Vogel and Dewitt would love to see the program take off in the school systems. In a school setting, the mentors must be at least 16 years old and work with younger students. In Cherryvale, Vogel has 33 Bigs in the school system.
“I’m hoping to put that in place here soon,” she said.
“We might have people who have inquired before and we want them to do their best by trusting us again that we will get matches moving,” Dewitt said.
“We’re open to speaking at any community groups and we will start doing info sessions for people who are interested,” Dewitt said.
By this time next year they would like to see the program grow to 100 matches. Dewitt has a positive mindset for the relaunch of the program in Allen County.
“I’m encouraged by the other counties’ success with the program,” Dewitt said
Big Brother Big Sister program relaunches
