Carson City Rotarians to learn about Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northern Nevada
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northern Nevada plays an important role in the lives of hundreds of local children. The non-profit focuses on mentoring young people who face challenges in their daily lives.
Members of the Rotary Club of Carson City will learn more about the organization at its luncheon meeting on Tuesday, August 29.
The public is invited to attend the meeting which takes place in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom. BBBSNN Volunteer Specialist, Ma'Kayla Porter, will talk about the mentoring program’s positive impact on hundreds of children across Northern Nevada and the need for volunteers.
“We have hit some pretty cool milestones in the last few years,” Porter explains. “The kids in our program have had a 100% graduation rate since 2020, 99% have stayed out of the juvenile correctional system, and 94% have maintained or improved their emotion regulation skills.”
BBBSNN matches young aged 6-18 years with adults based on common interests and encourage them to have supportive and meaningful relationships. There is a major need for volunteers right now with more than 150 children on a waitlist for a mentor.
While the mentorships are designed to benefit children, Porter says the volunteer mentors benefit as well. “Our Bigs, the mentors, constantly tell us how their Littles, the mentees, teach them so much and often change their outlook on life. Whether it is because the Big hasn't had the opportunity to really know a child that comes from poverty or because they have never experienced the value that can come from having an in-depth conversation with the next generation.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northern Nevada and attending the meeting should email carsoncitynvrotary@gmail.com.