SPOTLIGHT: Big Brothers Big Sisters: Making a difference in a child’s future

By Kristin Boyd Special Writer
    Making a difference in a child’s life through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County could be as simple as sharing a similar interest – reading comic books, baking cupcakes or rocking out on Guitar Hero.
    “It doesn’t take any special skills to volunteer,” says Susan Dunning, executive director and a former Big Sister. “You have to room in your schedule and room in your heart to mentor a child.”
    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County has seen unprecedented growth in the number of children served, Ms. Dunning says, adding the organization is continually seeking volunteers, especially men.
    “There are always boys on the waiting list,” she says. “We don’t want the boys to sit there for too long because then they think that there’s something wrong because someone hasn’t been matched with them.”
    To volunteer, residents must fill out an application and undergo a screening process, which includes a background check and an interview with one of the organization’s case managers. “Safety is the key thing for us,” Ms. Dunning says. “We have to keep our children safe.”
    The application process also helps Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County find the best matches for adults and children, based on interests and preferences.
    “They start off having something in common,” Ms. Dunning says, adding the average match lasts three years. “The program really does make a difference for some of our most vulnerable children in the county.”
    “Bigs” and “Littles,” as they’re called, are asked to spend at least four hours per month, though most volunteers commit much more than that, Ms. Dunning says. The organization, she adds, helps facilitate special outings by hosting various events, including holiday parties, summer picnics and bowling nights.
    “It’s more about being a friend, being a companion and getting to know each other,” she says. “Take them to the park; just talking to them will make a difference. We don’t want our volunteers to spend money on the children. We want them to spend time.”
    That quality time has had a huge impact, Ms. Dunning says, citing 2007 data collected by the organization: 87 percent of children were more confident; 69 percent had an improved sense of future; 76 percent had an improved attitude toward school; 57 percent had an improved academic performance; 57 percent were able to avoid substance abuse, and 45 percent had an improved relationships with adults.
    “A lot of our volunteers tell us they get more out of it than the children,” Ms. Dunning says. “I’m always amazed by what the volunteers are doing with these children. There are some really caring, wonderful people here.”
    Big Brothers Big Sisters Mercer County is located at 535 E. Franklin St. in Trenton. For more information, call 609-656-1000 or visit www.bbbsmercer.org. Volunteer applications are available to download online.
‘Autumn Culinaire’
to benefit BBBS Mercer
    “Autumn Culinaire 2008,” the annual food, wine and beer tasting event for the benefit of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County, will take place on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Greenacres Country Club in Lawrence.
    “Autumn Culinaire” features food specialties prepared by 20 of Central Jersey’s top restaurants and culinary purveyors. The evening includes international wine and beer tastings hosted by Glendale Liquors; the Meg Hanson Band, featuring Billy Hill; a raffle drawing for a South African safari, and a silent auction.
    Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by writing to [email protected] or by calling 609-656-1000.
    During the event, BBBS of Mercer County will honor Gregory Olsen, Ph.D., by presenting the Greg Olsen Big Brother-and Big Sister-of-the-Year Awards.
    Mr. Olsen, cofounder of Sensors Unlimited Inc. and president of GHO Ventures, is renowned as only the third private citizen to make a trip into space. Mr. Olsen has been a longtime Big Brother, a dedicated supporter and friend to Big Brothers Big Sisters, and a frequent speaker at local schools, motivating and encouraging children (specifically minorities and females) to consider careers in engineering and science.