By By Stacey Hancock/The Meridian Star
Dec. 21, 2000
Meridian is one of eight sites statewide chosen to sponsor a newly formed Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nationally renowned mentoring program geared to helping children with academic and social skills. Mississippi has received $500,000 in funds from Judy Vredenburgh, president/CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Attorney General Mike Moore, to set up the first eight sites. Moore will oversee the program through his office.
A goal has been set to recruit 800 volunteer mentors statewide before the end of the 2000-2001 school year. Rosemary Harris, Meridian program manager, is responsible for recruiting 100 mentors. After recruiting mentors, a thorough screening process is conducted to determine an appropriate match for each referred child in elementary and middle schools.
After the match is made, mentors are given 45 minutes each week with their little brother or little sister.
The process to becoming a big brother or big sister begins with completing an application. Once the application is returned, an interview is set up which takes about 20 minutes and a background check done. There is no estimated time taken for the process, it all depends on how fast the information gets back to the program manager.
Mentors of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program will serve the eight elementary schools and two middle schools of the Meridian Public School District. For more information about becoming a mentor, call Rosemary Harris at 484-3619.
Stacey Hancock is education reporter for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at shancock@themeridianstar.com