The Plant City Area Democrats have invited a special guest speaker to their meeting next week, but members of any political party could find the topic interesting: Tampa Bay children’s need for mentors and role models.
Dexter Lewis, from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, will be giving a presentation on the organization’s local mission at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, at Bruton Memorial Library. The presentation will take place after the Plant City Area Democrats’ usual meeting, and it is open to the public.
“Our job is to spread the word about the need for mentors in Plant City and the surrounding community,” De Anna Sheffield Ward, BBBS vice president of marketing, said. “While many people have heard our name, they may not be familiar with what we do.”
BBBS’ mission is to provide children with strong, enduring relationships with adult role models. The organization serves more than 3,000 children in the Tampa Bay area in over seven counties. Most of the children come to BBBS in the midst of adversity.
Lewis will address the Plant City community about BBBS’ need for volunteers.
“Our Bigs come from all walks of life, from college students, to business and community leaders, to retirees,” Ward said. “They all have one thing in common — a passion to help kids.”
There are two kinds of volunteers at BBBS. Community-based volunteers take their “Littles” around town for safe and relaxing activities, such as going to a park or library. Site-based volunteers visit their Littles at a school or other care center, to help with homework or spend time on the playground.
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 15 months with BBBS, for an average of four to eight hours each month.
BBBS is trying to increase its partnerships in Plant City and the number of volunteers who live in the area. This will be the third time in the last year that the club has invited a representative from BBBS to speak.
“The topic is timely because we do not have enough mentors for our young people who are in need,” Plant City Area Democrats secretary Anita Balch said. “With what has been going on in Baltimore, Ferguson and other areas, we need to learn from other communities’ problems and make certain we support our young people in need.”
If you cannot attend the presentation but would like to learn about volunteering with BBBS, visit bbbstampabay.org.
“We know there’s great pride in Plant City, and we’re hoping those who live here will help us reach more kids who desperately want — and need — a mentor in their lives,” Ward said.
IF YOU GO
When: Club meeting starts at 6 p.m.; the BBBS speaker will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 26
Where: Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon Street
Contact: plantcityareadems@gmail.com
STATISTICS
In a survey comparing children with BBBS mentors to their peers, researchers found that:
• Littles skipped half as many days of school.
• Littles felt more confident about their abilities to do schoolwork.
• 96% of Littles had no involvement with the juvenile justice system
• 96% of Littles were promoted to the next grade level.
• 90% of Littles showed an increase in self-confidence after having a BBBS mentor