Photos can be found HERE
During National Mentoring Month, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone visited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island’s (BBBSLI) office and Donation Center located in Islandia, NY to discuss two new mentoring programs, which have created a need for additional volunteer mentors. In recognition of January being National Mentoring Month, the visit was an opportunity for County Executive Bellone to learn more about the agency’s numerous mentorship programs and to discuss potential partnerships between BBBSLI and other county agencies to recruit more volunteer mentors. The visit also included a tour of the Donation Center, which was established to help BBBSLI become a self-sustaining organization capable of serving more children across Long Island.
“I am always inspired by the work that is going on at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island as they work to foster the next generation of leaders in government, business, the arts and science.” said County Executive Bellone. “During National Mentoring Month, we are encouraging anyone who can spare a few hours a month to strongly consider getting involved and help make a real difference in a child’s life.”
“We want to thank County Executive Steve Bellone and his team for taking the time to learn more about our mentoring programs and Donation Center during their recent visit to our Islandia office,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island CEO, Mark Cox. “It was an exciting opportunity to share with them the different ways BBBSLI continues to make a positive impact throughout Long Island”.
During the visit, County Executive Bellone and BBBSLI CEO Mark Cox discussed two new mentoring programs that BBBSLI will be launching this year. The “Bigs in Blue” program is a national initiative aimed at recruiting law enforcement officers to serve as mentors to youth in their communities. These mentoring relationships can help children develop into confident adults, while also helping to build stronger bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The “Power Through” program will focus on children who have been impacted by Long Island’s opioid epidemic. This program will offer support by matching impacted children with a caring adult mentor who can serve as a positive role model in their life. These new programs have created an increased need for BBBSLI to find volunteer mentors. During a meeting County Executive Bellone had with BBBSLI staff members, they explained to him how it only takes a few hours a month for a Big Brother or Big Sister to open a world of possibilities and opportunities for a child, simply by being a consistent friend.
Becoming a mentor is an empowering opportunity to change a child’s life and give back to your community. To apply to become a Big today, visit:https://bbbsli.org/become-a-big/
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
Incorporated in 1977, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and shine. BBBSLI makes meaningful, professionally supported matches between adult volunteers (‘Bigs’) and children (‘Littles’). Our mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island, please visit us at www.bbbsli.org.
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