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Time Commitment
Our program operates on a very ‘lean’ budget, and our emphasis is on spending quality time with a little friend. This is generally 2 hours per week, although we do recognize that school and family commitments must be met as well.
Financial Commitment
Again, we stress ‘quality time.’ The costs are minimal for our matches, and they decide together what activities to do. Activities do not need to be expensive in mentoring a child.
Need
The need for mentors has never been greater. Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors, and are matched as closely as possible to the needs of the little friend. Please e-mail John Gille at jgille@iw.net for more information on how to serve as an adult volunteer, sign up a youth, or support the program financially. Mentoring is an experience you will cherish for a lifetime, and is also a great experience to add to résumés as you show your commitment to youth and the community.
Effectiveness
Big Friend-Little Friend does make a Difference!
Volunteers and contributors are always interested on seeing a return on their time and investments. Your financial commitments, donations, and support provide the foundation to our success. BF-LF, Inc. is making a big difference in the lives of children and young people.
An independent, National survey showed that youth in mentoring programs were:
Less likely to start using drugs
Less likely to start using alcohol
Less likely to skip a day of school
Less likely to skip a class
Less likely to hit someone
Less likely to lie to their parent or guardian
They were more likely to:
Be more confident of their academic performance
More trusting of parents and guardians
More likely to feel better about themselves
Locally, we see our youth become more outgoing, more engaged in talking with their parents and guardians, and having a more positive attitude on life, after just 6 months in our program.
In addition, volunteers report a high level of satisfaction with their matches, are more confident that they are giving back to the community, and are engaging more in community projects once they are aware of the needs.
To submit an application:
- Right-click and SAVE the application to your PC.
- Print the application and fill it out.
- Mail the application to:
Big Friend - Little Friend, Inc.
P.O. Box 193
Elk Point, SD 57025
- Right-click and Save to download the Big Friend Application
- Right-click and Save to download the Little Friend Application
Note: The Big Friend and Little Friend Applications are Adobe Acrobat files. If you don't have Adobe Acrobat installed you can still view the files using Adobe's FREE Acrobat Reader .