Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Dufferin and District

Sharing Recipient Stories

2021 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$10,000 | Youth & Seniors Services

Since receiving the grant we have been able to make several new matches between mentors and children in Dufferin County. We’ve also been able to continue monitoring and supporting our existing matches. During COVID the children and youth that we serve have become even more vulnerable to poor mental health, social isolation and poor school engagement. Having a mentor truly helps a child in each of these areas.

During the lockdown portion of COVID in the winter and spring of 2021 we saw volunteer applications decrease, but with more health restrictions lifted in the summer and fall we’ve had a big increase in inquiries for our programs. We’ve been able to make new matches in the summer and fall and are currently in the process of making several new Big Brother/Big Sister matches over the next few weeks.

We were able to match a 13 year old youth in our program. This is what he told us his mentor: “We really have a good time together. I always learn something. He’s really nice.” He told his mentor is easy to talk to. The youth’s mother told our staff: “They’re like two peas in a pod. I think it’s a forever friendship. My son has become much more positive since being matched with his Big Brother. It meant a lot that he was matched with his mentor during COVID. I’m so blessed and thankful to have him in my son’s life.”

We also matched a 7 year old boy with a mentor. After the match was made his mother told us: “My son feels very comfortable with his mentor. He’s become much more open. He used to be scared to talk to people. He wouldn’t talk at school. When he was matched with his Big Brother he started talking to him right away and started talking more in general. His teacher noticed the difference and asked what had changed in his life. He’s always happy to go on visits with his mentor. After his visits he tells me everything they did together.” When agency staff ask the boy what is the best part about being with his mentor, he replied “He’s nice. He buys me ice cream”

A child in one of our existing Big Sister/Little Sister matches was experiencing food insecurity at home, which was recognized by her Big Sister. Working with her Big Sister, the family and the local Food Bank we were able to ensure the youth has breakfast in the morning and snacks and lunch to take to school with her each day.

Nancy Stallmach
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dufferin & District