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BIG BROTHERS, BIG SISTERS TAKE SWING AT BEING ROLE MODELS
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo The Ocean County Big Brothers Big Sisters recently took a swing at showing some area kids what it's like to have a role model. |
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Baseball was the draw, but the players were the real stars in this game.
The Ocean County Big Brothers Big Sisters held its monthly outing at Al Leiter Field in Bayville on Wednesday.
"The game was the Bigs versus the Littles," said Patti Trustan, a community-based mentor with the organization.
In the mentor program, volunteers provide "Littles" with one-on-one time and attention in their communities, typically two to four times a month. During the outings, they cultivate relationships that provide the children with skills to manage everyday challenges, and they help children make a new friend as well. Last month, the group's outing was a pool party at a private home, said Trustan.
Before the game on Wednesday, 7-yearold Sammy and his Big Brother, Ralph, 23, tossed a ball back and forth at the field.
"He's my pal," said Sammy with a broad smile. "We go fishing, play sports. He's nice."
"It's very rewarding," said Ralph. "I love it."
"I wanted to help out," said Chris Adams of Toms River, about his 13-year-old Little Brother, also named Chris. "It's as fulfilling to me as to him. Sometimes, I bring my own two kids on an outing so they can see how lucky they are to have a solid family."
The organization also works with the Toms River Regional School District in matching up Bigs and Littles, explained Tim Sullivan, a school based coordinator for the organization.
Nadine Kleiberg, Harvey Glatzer and Jocelyn Korzone also work as school-based coordinators. They say the formula for partnership works. "Seniors mentor freshman students and high school students are matched with elementary school students."
"The purpose is to build a rapport between the high school students and the elementary school child," explained Glatzer, "through use of a positive role model and behavior modification."
The kids, however, just call it fun, explained Kelly Hill, the organization's program director.
"The program is wonderful," said Hill. "It challenges the older student and helps out the at-risk child."
Volunteers in the school programs make a commitment to visit a child in their school for an hour a week.
Big Brother Big Sisters of Ocean County also partner with the Naval Air Engineering Station in Lakehurst to develop mentors from the military ranks.
At the ball field, Petty Officer 2nd Class Andres Rejos, U.S. Navy, said he joined the volunteers because he wanted to make a difference. "I support the program and want to give my assistance wherever I can."
Naval officer and Big Sister Angelica Virenchi explained, "I've been through life experiences that I can share. I wanted to help."
Virenchi's Little Sister, Danielle Mahar, 16, said she loves the program. "I have somebody to talk to. I'm an only child."
"It's the best thing we could have done," added Danielle's dad, Fred, who along with fiancé, Sabrina, had a great time at the playing field.
There are lots of fun times for the Bigs and Littles throughout the year. The organization hosts a Halloween party and holiday get-togethers. A 10th anniversary party took place in July at the Metedeconk River Yacht Club, said Sue Sedivec, the organization's CEO.
"We're always looking for mentors," Sedivec said. "We want to educate the community that our organization is in the county to access."
Big Sisters are also needed, she explained. The Big Sisters program works because a positive role model, a different perspective and someone to talk to can make a huge difference.
The Big Sisters make a commitment to meet with their Littles regularly for a least one year, but like many good friendships, some of the relationships last much longer, she said. Some even last a lifetime.
The Bigs help the Littles to do better in school, get higher grades. They are less likely to start to become substance abusers. One of the most important things a Big does is act as a good listener, whether helping with homework or helping to build self esteem.
Big Sisters aren't mom, they aren't teachers. They are friends, said Sedivec.
At the end of the evening on Wednesday, the Littles won the game but it was more than just a game of baseball. It was a game from the heart. The Littles won in more ways than one.
Big Brothers Big Sister of Ocean County is located at 85 Williams Street, Lakewood, and can be reached at 732-905-5349 or online at bbbsoc.org.
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