- - - - - - - start something - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria

Go Girls! Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds
Female volunteers between the ages of 19 and 25 mentor
a group of girls aged 9-13 years who have been referred
to the program as there is a shared concern for their
readiness to enter Middle School. The program focuses
on encouraging physical activity, participation, healthy
choices and developing a positive self-image.
► 39% of girls stated they would go to their
friends for advice before their parents.
► 46% of girls reported involvement with cyber
bullying.
The Impact of Focus Mentoring
Focus Mentoring
Focus Mentoring is a program for children and youth who
have been referred to Big Brothers Big Sisters because
they need additional and sustained support in their lives
to help manage and overcome significant challenges.
They live in families who are struggling to cope with an
individual or family-based mental-health challenge and
are requesting a mentor through our Community Mentoring
Program. Focus is intended to increase supports to
families, extend match relationships, offer relevant training
to mentors and additional support to families.
Mentoring Hockey
Mentoring Hockey launched as a pilot program that
focused on developing teamwork, responsibility, respect
and self-confidence in its youth participants through group
mentorship in a recreational environment. The participants
are between the ages of 7-11 years old and face multiple
barriers having limited access to recreational activities.
Through mentoring in a team and sports environment the
participants build confidence and self-esteem, increase
inclusion and engagement, and enhance team-work and
problem-solving.
Above and beyond the usual stresses of growing up children are caregiving for parents or other siblings, their attendance
at school is sporadic and they are disconnected from a community of support. This was the case for Lucy a thirteen year
old girl living alone with her mom. When we first met Lucy and her mom they came through the doors of Big Brothers Big
Sisters wondering if it was possible to find a big sister for Lucy as she had some special challenges which made it difficult
for her to form relationships. Lucy has Autism; she is a brilliant artist, struggles socially, is an only child and has no other
family.
Lucy’s mom struggled with her health, sharing that she battled depression and other health complications. Lucy often
stayed home from school so she could care for her mom. In June 2011 we matched Lucy with Sarah and identified them
as needing additional support through Focus mentoring. Sarah in her twenties was eager to become a big sister, she also
loved art and knowing the relationship might have some challenges felt she could make a difference in Lucy’s life.
While the relationship had a healthy start it quickly became challenging for Sarah. Lucy remained at home, isolated and
increasingly difficult to reach. Mom’s health was deteriorating and Sarah quickly found herself overwhelmed, concerned
for Lucy and feeling powerless. With the extra support offered through Focus Mentoring Sarah received the information
she needed to support Lucy. Through training in youth mental Health, learning disabilities and greif and loss Sarah had
new tools to support their relationship.
In late 2011, Lucy’s mom passed away. For both young women this was their first experience supporting a loved one in
dying. Their relationship met one of life’s biggest challenges and because they had the support they needed, their relationship
survived and they remain an important part of each other’s life.
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