New program at community center pairs mentors and kids

Big Brothers Big Sisters is tapping into the synergy of other youth programs at Millwood Presbyterian Church, and bringing a mentoring program to the church’s community center.

The program is site based, meaning that matches meet at the Community Center either Monday or Wednesday from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.

“We feel like there’s a group of children who may need that little extra help we can give them with mentoring,” said Darin Christensen, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Northwest.

Christensen said BBBS is looking for mentors who either live or work in or near Millwood.

“We are trying to keep this really local,” Christensen said.

The program launched about a month ago and Christensen said he hopes to reach more mentors before the end of spring break.

“It would be great if we could match all the kids when they come back to school after the break,” Christensen said.

Mentors must be 18 years old and out of high school, and able to commit to a weekly meeting with a child for the next 18 months.

The children are 7 to 12 years old, and make the same 18-month commitment.

Organizers say it’s important to find local mentors.

“We find that the Millwood community is strong in supporting their own,” Christensen said. “We believe that makes a difference.”