Alliance News

BLOOMINGTON — Ninety-two children in McLean county are waiting for a mentor to step into their lives, and most are boys, according to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of McLean county. That’s why that organization, the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal and Promise Council are reaching out to men in the community to clear the waiting list. “For the school-based program, it’s a one-hour, once-a-week commitment during the school year,” said Jordan Cobbs, a 25-year-old mentor and case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Once you get to know the child, it doesn’t feel like some huge time commitment.” Cobbs, of Bloomington, has mentored the same child through Big Brothers Big Sisters for six years. “I’m there for her. I hold her accountable for her schoolwork. We’ve had a relationship long enough that we can have serious conversations,” said Cobbs. In honor of January being National Mentoring Month, the agencies are launching a campaign with the slogan, “Put the ‘Men’ Back in Mentoring.” Big Brothers Big Sisters matches each child (or “little”) facing adversity with a caring adult mentor (or “big”) who spend personal time with them. It may involve helping with homework, playing games, sharing a meal or seeing a movie. Most littles live in single-parent homes, need extra help with schoolwork or may have some behavioral issues. “A lot of the boys just don’t have a male mentor in their life and they need that extra guidance from a man that mom just can’t provide,” said Chantel Thompson, program director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of McLean County. Interested mentors can apply at www.bbbscil.org. Once the application is reviewed and a background check and reference list is addressed, the big is interviewed and paired with a little.

Talking to Teens About Traumatic Events One year after Parkland, and it is still true. It will always be true. When a tragedy strikes, it is critical to talk to young people. Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to a providing safe environments and experiences so that all kids can become who they were meant to be. Physical and mental health are critical for all young people, and that is why Boys & Girls Clubs have partnered with organizations like the Crisis Text Line and Mental Health First Aid – so that all young people, and the caring mentors at our Clubs that guide them, have access to resources that can help them during critical times. When a tragedy does strike, it is important to talk with young people that have been directly or indirectly impacted. Even if they are not engaging with you, that does not necessarily mean they are not thinking about or internalizing different emotions. Here are some ways to talk with your child or teen about traumatic events:  Process your own emotions: Label your own emotions and use self-care strategies – teens will look to you as role models for how to cope with these incidents Initiate dialogue: Show teens that you understand what is going on and are here to support them by bringing up difficult topics Address the incident directly: To get the dialogue started, ask teens what they have heard and what they know about the incident Show willingness to answer questions: Teens will feel more comfortable discussing the incident if they know you are willing to answer questions and listen to their concerns. Validate & listen to feelings: Ask teens to share their feelings about the incident, and respond with empathy as validation that you are listening Continue to check in: Check back in regularly during the coming weeks to see how teens are coping with and processing the incident Look for solutions: Teens are action-oriented – ask, “What can we do to create positive change in our Club, school, or community?” and support them in starting a meaningful project or campaign You can learn more