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BBBS boost
Published 6/25/2009 in Commentary : Editorial
Eleven-year-old J.D. Day said he learns a lot from Ralf Meister.
Meister, a farm machinery technician, said J.D. has taught him valuable lessons in patience and persistence.
Plus, they have fun together, whether they're playing Monopoly, chess or enjoying other activities.
Matched since November 2007 through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Finney and Kearny Counties, their relationship is a success story that brought them distinction as an outstanding mentor match.
The Garden City pair recently received that honor from Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder during a ceremony in Manhattan.
It was part of the run-up to the 2009 Coaches Challenge between Kansas and Nebraska, a contest to see which state can recruit the most mentors during the college football season. Kudos to those involved for a creative way to help children in both states.
More and more at-risk youngsters need adult mentoring to fill voids in their lives. That could mean anything from helping with homework, getting them involved in sports or simply taking time to talk.
Youngsters in long-term mentoring relationships have higher self-esteem, better relationships with their parents and are less likely to get into trouble. They also tend to perform better in school.
Longer mentoring relationships are most successful. Maintaining those bonds requires significant interaction and support, an area in which BBBS thrives.
Indeed, BBBS is a model for helping at-risk children connect with adult mentors. BBBS of Finney and Kearny Counties has helped many youngsters by pairing them with dedicated Big Brothers, Big Sisters and school-based mentors.
One drawback locally is a shortage of willing adults in a community where many children need extra attention.
Another challenge is funding. Mentoring organizations can't function without sufficient support, to include government aid.
We always should take time to praise adults willing to volunteer their time to help and encourage youngsters. At the same time, it's just as important for policymakers to make sure BBBS and other organizations have sufficient financial support to help those mentors succeed.
As a troubled economy fuels that need, it's more vital than ever to make such an investment in the community's future.
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