CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Big Brothers Big Sisters has worked to give children greater confidence, build better relationships, attain educational success, and reach their full potential.

They have served children and families in Clarksville since 1975 and are a member agency of the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.

“We are a one-to-one mentoring agency, and we pair youth facing adversity with caring adult mentors in a one-on-one relationship,” said Chris Buerck, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville.

They offer two programs – the Community-Based Program and the School-Based Program.

In the Community-Based Program, mentors meet with their child two to four times each month for about two to four hours each time. They can go to the park, go fishing, or take part in community events and activities. It all depends on what the Big and the Little want to do together on the weekend or evening, to build a relationship, to bond and share experiences. This way the child is receiving that one-on-one attention that is so important.

In the School-Based Program, matches take place during the school day at the school the youngster attends. The Big and Little meet in designated areas at specific times and interact by playing games, reading, doing homework, eating lunch or simply talking to each other.

Bigs aren’t expected to be substitute parents or teachers. You don’t need experience, a degree or money. You simply need to be a friend who enjoys bringing a little support and magic into the life of a child.

How you can help

Men and women mentors are needed. “In 2020 with the pandemic, our child enrollments were up about 30 percent and our volunteer enrollments were down more than 10 percent,” Buerck said.

Right now the Community-Based Program has around 30 kids on the waiting list.

When someone signs up to be a volunteer, staff members offer them mentoring every step of the way to help manage the bond that is created in the relationship, how to handle issues that may arise, and even help with ideas for activities.

There are plans to bring back the popular Bowl for Kid’s Sake fundraising event that the organization has hosted for more than 30 years. Buerck said no date has been set, but it is hoped with some changes for safety like wearing masks and social distancing, a scaled-down version of the event is possible.

To learn more visit bbbsclarksville.org or call 931-647-1418.

Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is an ongoing Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.