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We’d like to introduce you to a few individuals who are living examples of how our mentoring program can change the entire trajectory of a life and shape the futures of those around them.
[/fwp-anim-text][vc_separator color=”grey” align=”align_center”][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]Every youth who comes to Big Brothers Big Sisters has a different story and background, but they share one important quality: They have all raised their hands and said, “I’m ready for a better future.” They just need a mentor to help them get there.
More than 20 years ago, a pre-teen girl living in Virginia was one of those kids. The daughter of divorced parents, Kimberly Young came to Big Brothers Big Sisters in sixth grade. Through the program, she met a woman who provided endless support while encouraging Kimberly to pursue her dreams.
[/fwp-anim-text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_single_image image=”4722″ alignment=”center” border_color=”grey” img_link_large=”” img_link_target=”_self” img_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]“She helped with my creativity, encouraging me to write poetry and stories and supporting my singing and theater passion,” Kimberly says of her Big Sister Christine. “She asked me to sing at her wedding—I performed two songs there!”
Because of the six years Christine spent showing her countless ways a mentor can bring value to a child who is struggling, Kimberly chose to dedicate her life to working with youth. Before moving to Orange County, where she is now an instructor for an educational nonprofit, she obtained her credential to become a preschool drama teacher and direct musicals for children.
Last April, she also became a mentor to 9-year old Kylie—the third child she has supported through Big Brothers Big Sisters. She credits her commitment to philanthropy to the time she spent with Christine.[/fwp-anim-text][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after”]
“I wanted to come back to be a Big Sister because I know the difference it can make in the life of a child.”
—Kimberly Young, former Little Sister and current mentor to Kylie
[/fwp-anim-text][vc_empty_space height=”30px”][vc_btn title=”Help us build brighter futures for local youth. Click here to sign up to be a mentor.” style=”modern” shape=”square” color=”grey” size=”md” align=”center” i_align=”left” i_type=”fontawesome” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-adjust” i_icon_openiconic=”vc-oi vc-oi-dial” i_icon_typicons=”typcn typcn-adjust-brightness” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-note” i_icon_linecons=”vc_li vc_li-heart” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocbigs.org%2Fvolunteer%2F||target:%20_blank” button_block=”true” add_icon=”” i_icon_pixelicons=”vc_pixel_icon vc_pixel_icon-alert”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″ css=”.vc_custom_1467930157820{background-color: #5c2d91 !important;}”][fwp-anim-text animated=”true” animation=”enter right move 10px over 1s after” extra_class=””]Volunteer Requirements
- Age 18 or older
- Orange County resident for at least one month
- Must be willing to commit at least one year to the program
- Must have driver’s license/proof of car insurance
- Must participate in a 90-minute interview
- Must be willing to undergo a background check which includes fingerprints and DMV records
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