By Paul Clark
Guest writer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina has expanded into Clay County and has named Chloe Jackson-Pierce as Program Coordinator.
Jackson-Pierce, whose varied background includes farming, teaching, and outdoor education, is now recruiting “Bigs” (adult mentors) and “Littles” (youth from 6- to 15-years-old) for life-enriching opportunities and friendship. Like all Big Brothers Big Sisters branches throughout the United States, BBBSWNC works to create and sustain matches that ignite a young person’s potential.
BBBS recruits caring adults who hang out with their Little Brother or Little Sister twice a month to provide opportunities that may not exist at home. Bigs and Littles talk, walk, bake, play sports, hang out, and do other things. Studies have shown that constant, dependable contact with a supportive adult can improve a child’s schoolwork, personal relationships, and self-esteem.
Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations, and other community members, BBBSWNC carefully pairs children with screened volunteers while monitoring and supporting these mentoring matches.
BBBSWNC has served more than 14,000 youth since its creation in 1982. The Asheville-based nonprofit organization has staffed branches throughout Western North Carolina. Like BBBS affiliates throughout the country, it holds itself accountable to its “Littles” and supporters by measuring rates of success that include higher aspirations, better relationships, greater self-confidence and avoidance of risky behaviors.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the nation’s largest donor- and volunteer-supported mentoring network.
Jackson-Pierce can be contacted at 828-702-1887, chloej@bbbswnc.org.