Youth 4 youth Helps kids

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  Military members have always had the task of balancing work and family life, but when parents deploy, go to a temporary duty station or need to be away for some other reason, who can fill in and mentor a child?

Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Bay have partnered with Team Travis to offer a Youth 4 Youth site-based mentoring program, which meets once a week, to pair military dependants ages six to 10 with a high school military student who has experienced family deployments, TDY's and permanent change of station moves.

They are also seeking service members to join their adult program.

"Military families have certain circumstances that not everyone understands," said Katie Simon, BBBS outreach coordinator. "Having mentors that are also military gives the children in the program someone they can relate to."

Youth 4 Youth provides a safe and welcoming environment where Bigs and their Littles can work on homework together, play games, sports or simply hangout and work out personal problems the "littles" may have at home or school.

"I had never thought about doing the program until a friend referred me, said Brandon, a BBBS program mentor. "My little brother and I get along really well and anytime he has a problem we work through it together."

To be a Youth 4 Youth big brother or sister, applicants must submit an application, with at least two references, participate in a personal interview, meet with a BBBS coordinator and complete orientation and training that encourages a child's healthy development.

Team Travis high school students in grades nine to 11 interested in the Youth 4 Youth program, contact Katie Simon at 707-427-6482 or visit the Travis youth center Fridays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

For the adult program males are highly encouraged to apply. Male children can only be placed with a female mentor until age 10, and many teenage males are awaiting pairing due to the lack of participation.

Currently the BBBS of North Bay have approximately 30 children waiting pairing with a big brother or sister.

Service members interested in participating in the adult program must be at least 18 years of age, have reliable transportation and be willing to spend at least one hour a week with a child from the local community for one year. For more information, contact 707-399-9966 or visit www.bbbsnorthbay.org.

North Bay BBBS has been operating for 40 years to improve the lives and futures of thousands of children in Marin County. In 1999, Napa County was added to the service area. In 2007 Solano County was added and changed its organization name to reflect the expanded service area. In 2008 BBBS merged with the Sonoma County agency.
BBBS of North Bay serves more than 1,600 children per year.