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As a mentor, Shauntel Vaughn gets to be the big sister she always wanted.
Vaughn, 23, has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands for the past three years.
She has spent the entire time with one girl, now 13. The two go skating, have dinner, see movies and do other activities together. They meet a few times a month and often talk on the phone.
It has been rewarding, Vaughn said.
“I always wanted to be a mentor,” she said. “I want to show young ladies that there are role models in the community.”
The interaction of “Bigs” and “Littles,” she said, helps children whose circumstances at home might otherwise hold them back. Vaughn said she grew up without the benefit of an older sister of her own.
About 150 children, many in the north Omaha area, are in need of a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple, said Abby Riessland, program director for the Midlands organization.
Thursday the group will hold an informational meeting to introduce people to the organization. It is set for 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Greater Omaha Community Action headquarters, 2406 Fowler Ave.
The group's mission is to help children ages 7 to 15 reach their full potential through one-on-one mentoring. Youngsters can remain in the program until they graduate from high school.
The organization has difficulty finding “Bigs” for children in the north Omaha area, Riessland said. Thursday's meeting is an effort to recruit new volunteers for that part of the city.
“This is a chance for people to get a picture of what the process is like to become a Big Brother, Sister or Couple,” Riessland said.
The meeting will include video presentations and speakers who have worked with the organization.
The group serves children mostly from single-parent, low-income or foster households. The organization asks for a 12-month commitment from its volunteers and offers training and support.
Vaughn intends to continue spending time helping the 13-year-old girl she has shared so much with. She also gets along well with the girl's mother.
“I feel like I am part of her family,” Vaughn said.
Contact the writer:
444-3198, chip.olsen@owh.com
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