Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Lacombe and District is kicking off September with its mentor recruitment drive called, "40 Mentors in 40 Days", running now until October 10th the campaign aims to recruit 40 new mentors to help address the growing need for support among local youth.
Executive Director Brianna Berthiaume said the need has never been greater, with more than 40 youth currently on a waitlist to be matched with a mentor.
“Each year we have lots of youth and families that sign up for our mentoring programs, but many have to sit and wait,” she said. “We are trying to recruit 40 mentors in 40 days to create awareness, advocate for mentoring, and highlight the impact it has on our community. When youth benefit, families benefit.”
Berthiaume said the impact of mentorship goes far beyond the program. “Youth who are part of our organization gain confidence, resilience, life skills, and new experiences,” she said. “When they become adults, they’re more likely to volunteer, to give back, and to pursue their goals and ambitions. It’s huge.”
This year alone, BBBS of Lacombe and District has already supported over 430 mentoring relationships, but Berthiaume emphasized there is still “a lot of extra need out there.”
BBBS offers a variety of opportunities for volunteers, including:
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In-School Mentoring: One hour a week spent with a youth on school property, outside the classroom, doing activities such as crafts, sports, or baking.
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Community-Based Mentoring: One to two hours a week in the community doing shared activities. These relationships are encouraged to last at least one year, with many matches lasting a lifetime.
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Teen Mentoring Program: Youth ages 16+ can volunteer in schools one hour a week. Teen mentors also earn school credits for their participation.
Berthiaume added that BBBS carefully matches mentors and mentees based on personality, interests, and compatibility to ensure strong, lasting connections.
“Many of our matches become lifelong,” she said. “They’re in each other’s weddings; they celebrate milestones like getting a driver’s license or graduating. Their stories become intertwined.”
She also noted that volunteers are supported through training and ongoing connection with staff to help them succeed in their mentoring relationships.
“Mentors grow too,” Berthiaume said. “This is as much about the volunteers as it is about the youth. It’s a journey of growth for everyone involved.”
September is also Big Brothers Big Sisters Month, and the 18th marks BBBS Day and another campaign that is raising awareness is the "Turn the Town Teal" initiative.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the BBBS website.
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