MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Big Friend Little Friend is celebrating a major milestone with 101 active mentoring matches connecting caring adult volunteers with youth and families in the Mitchell community.
Of these matches, 57 are part of the School-Based Mentoring Program, 42 are in the Community-Based Program, and 2 are in the Mentor Mom Program, which supports young mothers.
Big Friend Little Friend began in Mitchell in 2010 with the goal of matching committed adult volunteers with youth who can benefit from another trusted, caring adult in their lives. Over the past 16 years, the program has grown steadily, creating friendships that help young people build confidence and experience new opportunities.
A big part of reaching this milestone is the large number of volunteer school-based mentors this year, including 29 students from Dakota Wesleyan University and 17 students from Mitchell High School.
In the Community-Based Program, Big Friends spend time together with their Little Friends weekly out in the community doing activities and building strong friendships. The School-Based Program allows mentors to meet with students during the school day each week, while the Mentor Mom Program pairs experienced mothers with young moms who can benefit from support and encouragement.
As the program celebrates this milestone, the need for mentors continues to grow. Several Little Friends are currently on a waiting list, hoping to be matched with a community-based mentor.
Reaching 101 mentoring matches reflects the strong support of volunteers, schools, donors, and the Mitchell community. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor is encouraged to contact Big Friend Little Friend to learn more.