A lot can happen in two years when you’re 10. You move up grades. You discover new interests and outgrow old ones. For a young person waiting for a mentor, those two years are filled with moments they can’t get back.
Two years is how long Mark Johnson* has been waiting for a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands’ Community-Based Mentoring program.
Like many kids his age, Mark wants someone to connect with. He enjoys bowling, swimming and ice skating, and he hopes to try skiing for the very first time. He also has big dreams for his future, imagining himself one day becoming a business owner, singer or teacher.
When asked what he’s looking for in a mentor, his answer is simple: someone who is “kind, helpful and loving.”
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Unfortunately, Mark’s story isn’t unique.
Across Omaha, Council Bluffs and Lincoln, more than 150 young people are waiting to be matched with a mentor. While youth wait an average of 66 days for a match, some, particularly boys, wait much longer.
The challenge isn’t a lack of young people ready to be matched; it’s having enough volunteers to meet the need. Because Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands thoughtfully pairs mentors and youth based on shared interests and compatibility, a larger, more diverse pool of volunteers creates more opportunities to find the right mentor for each youth.
That right mentor doesn’t need special experience or expertise. Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for everyday adults willing to show up, listen and be present. Through the program, youth ages 7 to 14 are matched with an adult volunteer known as a Big, or a volunteer couple, known as a Big Couple. After being matched, Bigs and Littles spend time together exploring their community and choosing activities they both enjoy.
Mentoring requires just a few hours each month and a one-year commitment. Every match is supported by a trained match support specialist who provides guidance and resources along the way.
Being a mentor doesn’t require elaborate plans or expensive activities, either. Sharing ice cream, exploring a museum or taking a walk may seem ordinary, but those moments can become opportunities for a young person to ask questions, build confidence and know another adult is invested in their future. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands also provides donated tickets, monthly hosted activities and access to community partners offering free or discounted services.
The impact of mentoring goes both ways.
Cassandra, a current Big, describes what her relationship with her Little, Alejandra, has meant to her:
“Alejandra has taught me not to be afraid to speak up. She taught me that leaning on others is OK. I am very honored that she enjoys sharing her life with me. Her drive and positivity are infectious and push me to never stop dreaming. She is, without a doubt, the little sister I had always hoped for and more.”
For young people, that same relationship can provide a consistent presence.
Little Onyx shared this about his Big, Joel:
“He is a role model. He walks me through things. He’s taught me to be patient. All the outings we’ve done together have shown just how much he cares. He’s helped me earn different Scout badges, attended my basketball games and even my eighth-grade graduation. I look up to him.”
These testimonials show that mentoring is about more than one volunteer supporting one young person. When youth have trusted adults outside their family or peer group who consistently show up, the impact reaches further. Families benefit as youth become more confident and connected. Schools benefit when students have another adult encouraging their success. Workplaces and neighborhoods benefit as young people build skills for the future and become more engaged. In that way, mentoring is part of the social infrastructure that helps young people thrive and strengthens the places we call home.
Building those relationships doesn’t require extraordinary people. It requires ordinary people willing to show up.
Right now, more than 150 local young people, including Mark, are waiting for someone to do exactly that.
That someone could be you.
Take the first step toward becoming a mentor by visiting BBBSMidlands.org and filling out an online inquiry form.
*Name changed to protect anonymity.
