Ishani Mehta ’18
Twice a week around 4 o’clock, about 25 high school volunteers flood the Cedar Hill Child Development Center Community After School Program at St John’s Episcopal Church on Cornelia Street in Boonton to tutor and mentor young children. Each visit presents its own laughs, “boo-boos,” and out of breath memories just from playing tag for a little too long.
Though not all mentees have the same situations, many are from lower-income families, or families without the resources to fully aid a child’s education and development. The program has fostered, through many conclusive surveys, emotional effects on “littles” (like increasing confidence and competence), as well as very clear effects such as significantly decreasing the chances of [underage] substance abuse. The program also prides itself in being able to guide “littles” away from violent tendencies and towards improved school attendance and ambition.
Every year, the Mountain Lakes Key Club makes a Thanksgiving Day Feast for “bigs” and “littles” to share. Menu staples include baked macaroni and cheese (per Ms. Delgado’s recipe) and cupcakes that always seem to disappear! This year, the shared feast took place on November 22nd, the day before both the Mountain Lakes and Boonton School Districts left for Thanksgiving Break.
Though a shared meal once a year may feel small to both “bigs” and “littles” alike, it cements the friendship that comes with this mentorship – it makes the relationship feel like one of an actual family. Even though some partnerships have as great as a 13 year difference in age, the connections being made are completely irreplaceable.
“Bigs” may not treat their “littles” at BBBS the same way they would treat younger siblings– the name-calling and hair-pulling are conspicuously absent– but they harbor the same dreams and altruism for their “littles,” which is why the program is so clearly effective and rewarding.
If you are interested in joining or want further information on our chapter, contact Brandon Prentice at BPrentice@northjerseybigs.org for possible openings and availabilities. Also, volunteers at the CDC are always welcome.
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