Retired people have a lot to offer youth.
Missouri Valley Big Brothers/Big Sisters doesn't hesitate to match older "bigs" with "littles" with whom they have common interests.
"People shouldn't think they're too old," said Bev Price, a retired middle school teacher who has been matched for eight years with a now freshman. "At every age, you have something to give kids, since they're our future."
The Central Missouri United Way member agency has been in the community 25 years, sponsored by the YMCA.
They average serving 150 at-risk children, ages 6-17, at any one time through three matching options.
"Many have had difficult experiences in their lives," program director Lee Knernschield said.
In addition to the traditional program, which requires two hours per week of activities, the site-based program matches for one-hour-per-week at the child's school or community-based program. The third option is called Bridges, which is a variation from the traditional program specifically for children with an incarcerated parent.
"We want to serve all children at risk," Knernschield said. "This opens up opportunities for their future."
For more than 50 children currently, that opportunity waits for local adults, ages 16 and older, to volunteer their time.
"Most volunteers come wanting to help; then, they realize they learn so much from mentoring," Knernschield said.
Some may hesitate because of their age or they think they're not qualified, she said. Others may simply fear the unknown.
"All we need is someone who has a genuine commitment to be a friend to a child," Knernschield said. "The key to developing a relationship is being there. It becomes a way of life.
"Just one lunch hour a week can make a lifelong impact."
Call 634-3290 or email to [email protected] for more information.
On the Web: www.mvbbbs.org