MARINA'S MENTORS: A MENTAL HEALTH MENTORING PROGRAM

In this program, volunteers are paired with youth who are experiencing mental health concerns and work closely with their parent/guardian, BBBS staff and a professional counselor to best support the child's needs.

This program is a collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters and Bridge Interfaith Services.

Mentoring is a rewarding way to engage with and support the youth in our community. It offers a long list of benefits, both for the mentor and the mentee. One of the main benefits is the positive impact mentoring has on youth mental health. Through Marina's Mentors, our mental health mentoring program, volunteers are paired with youth who are experiencing mental health concerns. 

The two create a friendship over new activities and outings: from exploring local culture, to developing new hobbies, catching up on homework or catching a movie. Volunteers work closely with the parent/guardian, BBBS staff and a professional counselor to best support the child's needs.

Students in our mentoring programs have reported the following:

100% are graduating or moving up to the next grade level

75% have stayed on track or improved their academic performance and grades

90% have reported a strong or increasing level of social competence

88% have learned to manage their emotions in a positive way


HOW IT WORKS

  • This program is free for all youth.
  • Applications can be completed online by clicking here: Enroll a Child or Become a Big
  • BBBS will interview applicants and provide an orientation and training.
  • Matches between adult mentors ("Bigs") and children ("Littles") will be made based on personality, interests and preferences.
  • Matches will meet two times a month and will commit to at least one year together.
  • The Big will pick the Little up from their home for each activity.
  • BBBS staff will closely monitor the relationship with monthly check-in calls.
  • Bigs will receive professional on-going training and have access to monthly support call with a licensed therapist.

 

INFORMATION SESSION

Curious about what it takes to be a Mental Health Mentor?  Join us on Tuesday, January 31 at 6pm for a virtual information session.  >> Click here to register <<


ABOUT MARINA

Marina was a young adult, raised locally, who suffered from a mental health condition and died by suicide when she was in her late teens.  Marina’s mother has worked tirelessly to support efforts that help youth receive mental health services and our paths crossed during the development of this program and she’ll be a part of supporting our matches.  We are grateful to connect our stories and our mission with this program.


CONTACT

Peggy McGann
Event & Program Support Specialist
She/Her/Hers

OFFICE: 609.573.5029, ext.12
MOBILE: 609.415.0317
EMAIL: pmcgann@bbbsatlanticcape.org