By james art LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Big Brother Big Sisters was founded in 1904 in New York and found its way to Lubbock in 1970.
The non-profit organization’s mission is to connect children with volunteers to develop relationships and help children reach their full potential.
Lubbock BBBS marketing specialist Jed Martin says he knows the impact this organization can have on a child’s life.
“My eldest daughter was Malka herself. I was aware of the program before; I’ve been aware of that for most of my life,” Martin said. “I saw the effect her Big had on her and how much they bonded and truly loved each other.”
It is a careful process to decide which bigs will be placed with smalls to make the best pairing possible.
“We’re going to take the kids and interview and talk to them to get to know them, and we’re going to do the same with the potential Big Ones,” Martin said. “And that way we can help match you based on interests and personality type and things like that so we can create the best possible match that we can.”
The big ones have a lasting effect on the little ones. Martin says he hears from alumni of the program who have fond memories of their participation.
“We’ll have a parent come up to the table to see who we are and say, ‘Oh, I was… I was big before, or I was small, or my older sister was big or small or whatever past through the program in some way,” Martin said.
Martin says he wouldn’t want to do anything else and feels right at home trying to help the community every day.
“I love feeling like I’m a part of a program that has a positive impact on the community and more importantly a positive impact on the kids,” Martin said.
You can learn more about the program and sign up to volunteer at www.bbbslubbock.org.
Copyright 2024 KCBD. All rights reserved.