Mentoring is a Great Way to Give Back…Just Ask a Little Brother or Sister

As you’ll read elsewhere in this newsletter, there are some real advantages to being in the leisure and hospitality field. Overall, we can all feel fortunate to have careers in this industry.

So let’s not forget to give back.

One great way to do that is by mentoring. That can take many forms from reading to children, volunteering in a school, or joining an organization that has been helping kids for over a century – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

In metro Chicago alone, the organization matches over 1,700 children (Littles) with adult volunteer mentors (Bigs).

“Bigs and Littles meet a few times a month, engaging in everyday activities, including having dinner at an ethnic restaurant, going on a college tour, playing basketball or visiting a museum,” according to Kristine Brown, Marketing & Communications Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago.

Brown says programming helps to develop academic and non-academic skills and that trained staff provide support and outing ideas.

“More than 100,000 children across Metro Chicago face limitations at home, at school and in their communities,” Brown says. “The need for volunteer Bigs is greater now than ever.”

Juana Pfadt is a sourcing specialist for NHS Global Events and is becoming a first-time mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Too many children grow up without a role model, without someone they can trust and talk to,” Juana says. “I would like to be that positive influence on someone as I was blessed with many great mentors throughout my childhood and teenage years.”

NHS Global Events President Bill Lynch volunteered with the organization years ago. He had a very positive and rewarding experience mentoring as a Big Brother and still has a relationship with his Little Brother and his family.

Does mentoring make a difference?

According to Brown, in metro Chicago, 100 percent of Littles go on to graduate from high school! (Yes, you read that correctly. 100 percent!!)

Look into becoming a Big in your area. Here’s the website:  http://www.bbbs.org/