The roles mother’s and father’s play in the lives of children is highlighted especially on days like Father’s day.
Often there are times when that central role model doesn’t exist for a kid – this is where the Big Brothers and Sisters organizations come in. Helping children in Regina form meaningful connections with mentors since 1971, with an ever growing need year after year.
The Big Brother’s and Big Sisters programs have massive waitlists, something Victor Roman a big brother and former executive director of the Regina chapter of Big Brothers says is never going away with an increased need for community support. Over the course of the last few years he’s had the opportunity to mentor 3 kids – he told 620 CKRM what motivated him to join the program.
“I originally went to school to become a youth worker, I never finished that path – so becoming a big brother was a way to stay connected to the work I initially wanted to do.”
Roman says that kids need that initial support. He says that initially he was worried about inspiring the kids and getting them to like him
“I quickly realized that I was there to give them company, have a great time, and to be supportive. We went to the Queen City Ex as an example. I was there to give them safe passage to attend, and give them an adult to bond with. Filling in the gap of not having a supportive male adult in their life.
Research conducted by the Boston Consulting group showed that kids who move through the Big Brother’s program have higher success rates, with the additional support having a huge impact on the ability for youth to grow up as strong, caring, and productive adults.
A challenge faced by the organization is sufficiently supporting kids, and driving community awareness as to how big the need is. There are growing waitlists for mentors.
“This is an important place for your money to go. When you donate to these kids you’re donating to the future of your community. Your donating to give them the support they need to become an amazing adult, and in turn to take care of you when you are set to retire.”
Kids from all socio-economic backgrounds are a part of the program.
“The reality of our society is that kids with fewer socio-economic advantages do need more support. However in a lot of cases we are dealing with single parents. Kids without father’s who need support on the big brother’s side, which is not unique to any socio-economic status. Kids who need additional support are matched with mentors.”
