Mentoring Matters

Mentoring Matters: How A Mentor Can Help A Family

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:06:00 -0500

Mentoring can not only change a child's life, it can also positively impact an entire family. In fact one grandmother says the Big Brothers Big Sisters program is giving her peace of mind.

It's a day of fun in the sun for Mary Anne Pease and her family. Mary Anne's raising four children. Her two youngest are 11 year old Cheyanne and 8 year old Chelsea. She became their legal guardian more than 6 years ago and while she has time to play outside with them, Mary Anne knew she needed help.

“I'm not young anymore and taking on children and raising them and trying to show them the best way of life sometimes gets a little hard,” said Mary Anne Pease.

So Mary Anne signed up for her children to get mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama. Both of the little swimmers have been matched with a big sister for more than a year.

“Instead of nana and papa telling them this is how things go, they needed to find out from a different person that what we were saying is the truth when they go on in life,” said Pease.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non profit organization that matches a mentor with a child.

“They do to the fullest what they need to do to match these children with best person that is suitable for them,” said Pease.

Even though the girls don't normally swim with their big sisters, Mary Anne says both of her grandchildren have bonded with their bigs and learned a lot.

“She’s showed her responsibility, discipline and just showed her that being a child is what she needs to be in her growing up process,” said Pease.

But for the girls it's not about the guidance, it's about having a good time.

“We bake cookies and we make eggs and we take her dog for a walk,” said 8 year old Chelsea Dramond.

For more information on Big brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama call (256) 880-2123.

Mentoring Matters: The Start Of A Life Long Bond

Mon, 23 May 2011 19:14:21 -0500

Mentoring programs can have a lasting impact on children. ‘Big Brothers, Big Sisters of North Alabama’ is one of those programs. In tonight’s mentoring matters we look at the beginning of a "big" and "little" match.

12 year old DeAndre Mason and Leonard Jefferson met last week.

“I believe we're breaking down the barriers to communication. He's sharing things with me, which is a sign of trust,” said Leonard Jefferson.

They were matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. It's a nonprofit organization that matches kids with a positive adult role model called a 'big brother or big sister.' DeAndre says he waited for a year to get paired with a big but is thrilled with the match.

“It was fun to have a big brother. I thought it was really great to have me a big brother,” said DeAndre Mason.

DeAndre's mother signed her son up so he'd have a positive male role model in his life.

“By him having Leonard he can see that there's a better opportunity for him, there's a military life. He doesn't have to be in the military, but it's a better opportunity for him besides the streets or ending up in prison,” said Kim Kelly DeAndre’s mother.

Leonard Jefferson was actually a mentee or 'little' many years ago before becoming a big. Now he hopes to give back by making a positive impact on DeAndre's life.

“What I hope to instill in him is that he can be and do anything he desires and that there should be no road blocks or nay-sayers to stop him from being who he wants to be,” said Jefferson.

Leonard hopes others can get out and volunteer spending a few hours a month with a child.

“I am proud to be something big. I hope others will give back also and make the time for what really matters,” said Jefferson.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama
701 Andrew Jackson Way
Huntsville, AL 35801

Phone: 256-880-2123
Fax: 256-880-2177

General Email Box: info@bbbsna.org

Mentoring Matters: Mentor Training

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:05:00 -0500

Having a mentor, or a positive role model, can change a child's life and that is exactly the mission of the Big Brothers Big Sisters non-profit organization. The BBBS of north Alabama has a ‘Mentoring Children of Prisoners’ program. The program received a grant for almost $150,000 last year last November.

The grant funds go toward training the ‘Big Brothers’ and ‘Big Sisters.’ For new big sis, Tiffany Ousley, this is her first training session. The Alabama A & M sophomore has been matched with a 6 year old girl whose father is in prison. She's been mentoring for only a few months now.

“I want her to know that just because her situation is the way it is now, the future is forever yours and the sky is the limit literally,” said Big Sister Tiffany Ousley.

Tiffany is attending the training in hopes of having more tools. That way she's ready to handle anything that may come up with her ‘Little Sister.’

“I hope to take away the skills that are necessary if we were to come up with a problem that I'd be better equipped in solving that problem,” said Ousley.

Soon to be ‘Big Brother’ of a 14 year old teen is Tim Dimella. He is also taking the class to be better prepared, but he already knows some of the things he wants to teach his 'Little Brother.'

“I want to help him understand about money. Money's very important. You go into debt with money you're going to go in debt mentally, emotionally, spiritually you're going to go into debt,” said Dimella.

Jared Francis is the coordinator of the ‘Mentoring Children of Prisoners’ program. He says the program provides mentorship to children ages 4 to 18 who have a parent in prison. Francis says the $147,000 grant will go toward training for mentors, mentees and parents.

“To build their self esteem, to build their self worth, making them betters leaders in the community that's ultimately our goal,” said Francis.

“I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to have such an impact on a young ladies life because it is hard and I hope that I do have that impact because she's got a bright future ahead of her and I see it already,” said Francis.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters, go to http://www.bbbsna.org/

Mentoring Matters: Juvenile Conference Committee

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:49:00 -0500

Our community is coming together to help turn troubled kids' lives around. Volunteers donate their time to give teens that have broken the law a second chance.

Judge Ruth Ann hall spends her days hearing juvenile court cases. In 2008 she reinstated the Juvenile Conference Committee or JCC. Since that time 200 juveniles in Madison County have gone through the program instead of serving time.

“They don't do better if we lock them up. They actually do worse so we can do much more for our children in our community then if we send them to be locked up,” said Judge Ruth Ann Hall.

The committee is made up of volunteers. Employees of the juvenile detention centers look at the juvenile's charge and criminal history. The juvenile may be referred to the JCC. This panel hears all side of the issue.

“They make the decision based on what they feel is appropriate as far as a punishment goes or a rehabilitation,” said Judge Hall.

Part of the program involves monitoring and mentoring the offender. The volunteers like Theodore Tyson and Glenda Reitzell call their assigned juvenile and get to know them outside of the JCC meetings. Both volunteers have seen the program change lives.

“I had an individual that no one knew at age 15 that the individual did not know how to read. I got them in a reading program the family, child everything changed,” said Theodore Tyson.

“I think that there's a very good likelihood that the program literally saved her life. I think that she could have been suicidal if we didn't get her into some mental health counseling,” said Reitzell.

If the juvenile completes what the panel recommends Judge Hall dismisses the case, hoping a lesson has been learned and that she won't see the offender again.

Mentoring Matters: Teachers Go Above And Beyond

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:33:00 -0500

Despite cutbacks, classroom challenges and other concerns some Valley teachers never stop going above and beyond to help their students.

Keith Trawick is just one of almost a dozen teachers at legacy elementary who volunteers his time after school helping the students prepare for middle school.

“I feel that as a fifth grade teacher it's my responsibility to prepare the students for a more academically and socially rigorous atmosphere,” said Keith Trawick.

He leads a program called 'Character Counts.' The program is for 5th grade boys at Legacy Elementary in Madison. It's been around for 3 years. This year 30 boys like Tommie Roden have joined the after school program.

“I wanted to get involved because it helps you become a better person and helps you stand out as a leader,” said 11 year old Tommie Roden.

“We focus on bullying, peer pressure, positive character traits and trying to promote overall positive leadership,” said Keith Trawick.

After seeing the success of the program Special Ed teacher Leah Vatz wanted to start something for the 5th grade girls. So she and other teachers at Legacy started ‘Groovy Girls’ this year. The goal is to help them get prepared mentally, emotionally and academically for middle school. The teachers also make themselves available when ever needed.

“They know that we are here to help them, even outside of the group, they can come to us when they have problems as well and we've had that happen since we've started the group,” said Leah Vatz.

Both the 'Character Counts’ and groovy girls program teaches what not to do in the future.

“Be a follower or take drugs or not bring weapons to school,” said Tommie Roden.

The students and teachers say the programs have been a success and hope other schools soon start similar programs.

Mentoring Matters: Overcoming Odds To Help Students

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:59:00 -0500

Many kids have a mentor or positive role model they look up to but for some children in the Valley that's not the case but one Huntsville man is reaching out and overcoming obstacles to help a local student.

Chris Hall was a teacher for almost 30 years before he was paralyzed from the neck down. He was hit by a drunk driver on the way to work in 2005.

“When I was teaching, it was really an incredible thing. I just loved it. I never planned on retiring, then I was in this car wreck and it just wasn't possible for me to continue,” said Chris Hall.

That is, until he heard that students at Monte Sano Elementary School in Huntsville needed tutors. He signed up and now works with 11 year old Traizon Byrd. They meet twice a week for 45 minutes. Hall helps Traizon understand tough subjects in school.

“He breaks it down if I don't know one of the problems. He'll tell me to write under what he was talking about and then I understand it,” said Traizon Byrd.

“45 minutes just flies by for me and I just enjoy every minute of it,” said Chris Hall.

Traizon’s grades have improved. But besides studying Hall also talks about making good decisions and tries to lead by example.

“He's a teacher and a friend,” said Traizon Byrd.

Many students need one on one tutoring and mentoring and almost everyone can help. Chris Hall says it's a rewarding experience both for the student and mentor.

“When he gets something his eyes light up and you can tell he's learning something and that's really special to me,” said Hall.

If you would like to become a mentor or tutor you can call your neighborhood school and see if they have any programs where community members can help.

Or you can get involved in community mentoring programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters.
(256) 880-2123

Women Helping Women: Mentoring Matters

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 23:27:00 -0500

During tough times many people feel stuck in unfortunate situations but that doesn't have to be the case. One local organization is reaching out to help women improve their lives.

Lynnaya Sims is a single mother of 3. With no high school diploma and no means of transportation she was having a hard time finding employment.

“Education wise I didn't have my GED. I really wasn't focused too much on getting anything. I was just there basically,” said Lynnaya Sims.

After a bible study one of her friends told her about a non profit group, the Christian Women's Job Corps.

Nancy Eckhardt has been a volunteer with the group for over 6 years.

“The main purpose of the Christian Women’s Job Corps is to help women who want to help themselves to a better life,” explained Nancy Eckhardt, Christian Women’s Job Corps Volunteer.

Since 1998, the group has helped 400 women improve their lives. It offers GED and job skills training along with scholarships. Spiritual guidance is also given.

“We do involve bible study and that many times is the thing that helps more than any thing is the bible study and the personal relationships that they form when they become a part of this program,” said Nancy Eckhardt.

The help is free, but to get assistance from the Christian Women's Job Corps women must apply.
There are 3 months of classes then 6 months of mentoring with a professional in their field of interest.

“We try to help them make a connection with a professional person who can help them understand what it's going and to take them and to help them get where they want to go. We try to help them develop a relationship with someone who's already there,” said Eckhardt.

Lynnaya Sims finished the class a few months ago.

“I am a college student now. I completed my GED. I am going to school to get my associates degree in computer information systems,” said Lynnaya Sims.

Sims plans to graduate find a career and then help others who are dealing with similar situations.

“I want to start a non profit organization to help teen mothers, that's where I see myself in a couple of years from now, said Lynnaya Sims.

For more information on becoming a mentor for the Christian Women's Job Corps or to receive assistance call (256) 428-9415 or e-mail the administrative recruiter, Kristin Wilkerson, at kwilkerson@cwjc.net

Changing a Child’s Life

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:46:00 -0500

More and more children are growing up without positive role models but one non-profit organization is trying to change that. The "Big Brothers Big Sisters" program matches children with mentors in hopes of improving the children's future.

Eric Harris and Makhiah Elliott have been hanging out together for 6 months after being matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Alabama organization.

“I do photography, so I actually take him on a lot of my shoots with me and give him the ability to actually do shots," said Eric Harris.

Eric and Makhiah spend time together about twice a week.

“We go bowling and do some school work and pretty much just have fun," said 12 year old Makhiah Elliott.

They do everything from playing outdoors to playing the guitar.

“He got a guitar for Christmas, so I'm going to start giving him lessons in that," said Eric Harris.

Makhiah is 12 years old. His mother signed him up for the program, hoping it would give him a positive male role model in his life.

“To have somebody to mentor him and show him that you can do something other than what you see on the streets and other guys around, you can get an education and do something with your life," said Harris.

“He taught me to do good in school and don't act up and taught me a lot of math," said Makhiah Elliott.

Eric hopes his friendship with Makhiah grows. He believes they'll share many of life's big moments together.

“I think it will be something that will last throughout our lifetime. He's real sharp. He reminds me of myself in a lot of ways and through that I think we'll stick together," said Eric Harris.

“I want to open up a restaurant and he wants to see me do that," said Makhiah.

If you have a mentoring matters story that you would like to share, contact us at mentoring@waaytv.com.