Smethport Web — by Annie Wolfe

January marks the 14th annual National Mentoring Month and The Guidance Center’s Big Brothers Big Sisters program would like to recognize a Little Sister and Big Sister in Smethport who recently celebrated their six-year anniversary.

Little Sister ‘Nicole’ and Big Sister ‘Cheryl’ enjoy hiking at Rimrock, baking, crafts, and more recently, shopping together as part of their match activities. Cheryl also enjoys cheering on Nicole during her softball games. Having Cheryl involved in her life has improved Nicole’s academic performance, attitude toward school, school attendance, and self-confidence. Nicole plans to attend college after high school and is interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice.

As we focus on engaging more community members in volunteering as mentors, we share a simple message: Be Someone Who Matters to Someone Who Matters. Not only do quality mentoring programs improve young people’s prospects for success in school and life, but people who serve as mentors also say that their lives are greatly enriched, as mentoring leads to new experiences, new connections and new satisfactions.

If you would like to mentor a child in your community, please call Big Brothers Big Sisters of McKean County toll-free at 1-877-776-1636 or locally at 1-814-887-5591 or visit our website at www.bbbs-jem.org