Big Brothers Big Sisters has set a new goal of recruiting "100 Mentors in 100 Days." A Kick Off event was held July 28th at the Senior Activity Center in Gadsden to inform the community of this new campaign.

Susan Weinberger, PhD, also known as "Dr. Mentor", spoke to community leaders, businesses, social clubs and educators on the importance of mentoring relationships. She stressed that it only takes one half hour per week to make a big impact on a child's future.

Children who do not have adequate positive role modeling in their lives are at a substantially high risk for failure in academics, social skills, relationships, and emotional health. Research has proven that these children have a high risk of taking illegal drugs, smoking, drinking alcohol, teenage pregnancy, and of dropping out of school.

Big Brothers Big Sisters was established in our region 27 years ago and provides service in Calhoun, Talladega, Etowah, Cherokee, Dekalb Counties

Volunteers can spend time with a child in the community base program or in the school base program. School base volunteers spend time reading a book, playing a game or enjoy computer activities together or just talking.

Businesses are encouraged to participate by allowing employee's time to volunteer and visit a child at the school. Call 256-240-7391 for more information on how you and your company can participate and experience Little Moments Big Magic, and help us reach our goal of serving 100 children with 100 mentors.