School-based volunteer coordinators Erinn Michaud, left, and Maureen Vashon, oversee Big and Little matches meeting weekly at Williams Elementary School in Oakland. Adult volunteers are needed to serve as community-based mentors, as well as school-based coordinators throughout Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo counties. To get involved, call 207-236-2227 ext. 101 or email info@bbbsmidmaine.org. Contributed photo

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine seeks adult volunteers to support its one-to-one mentoring programs throughout eastern, central and mid-coast Maine.

The agency is recruiting Big Brothers and Big Sisters to serve as community-based mentors to children ages 5 to 14 in Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo counties.

Community-based “Bigs” build healthy, trusting relationships with their “Littles” by spending two to five hours each week together doing things of mutual interest, like playing sports, hiking, going to the movies, playing board games or doing crafts. Bigs commit to mentoring a child for a minimum of one year, which supports the development of stronger and longer lasting relationships.

Additionally, the agency is in need of adult school-based coordinators who can dedicate one and a half hours weekly from October through May (except school vacation weeks) to oversee match meetings between high school Bigs and elementary school Littles.

The agency has immediate need for school-based coordinators at the following sites for the 2021-22 school year:

• Boothbay Elementary School (Boothbay);

• South School (Rockland);

• Miller Elementary School (Waldoboro);

• Warren Community School (Warren);

• Nobleboro Central School (Nobleboro); and

• Lincolnville Community School (Lincolnville).

All volunteers are interviewed, screened and trained, and receive ongoing support and training from agency professional staff. Continuing education credits are provided for volunteer coordinator positions.

Successful volunteers are responsible, caring adults who enjoy working with youth of all ages and backgrounds, have excellent listening and communication skills, are patient, willing to learn, and share in the BBBS mission of igniting the power and promise of local youth.

To learn more about becoming an adult volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, contact Haley Stearns at 207-236-2227 ext. 101, or email info@bbbsmidmaine.org.