Working for the children

Colorful murals grace the walls of Templeton Elementary. Pictures of horses, houses, friends, and the like resonate throughout these masterpieces. We enter our final destination, the classroom of Mrs. Stoltz, a first and second grade school teacher. All attention is instantly diverted from the grammar lesson at hand to our entrance. IU senior Angela Goodwin enters the room signaling her special friend, Ben Flake. Ben's eyes light up along with those of his fellow classmates. Other children are green with envy at the opportunity Ben possesses every Friday. \nBen and Angela are part of a program created by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America called "School Bigs," where volunteers are matched one-on-one with more than 170 students in the school setting one hour per week. The Bloomington division currently has 120 volunteers serving four schools in the surrounding area. Big Brothers Big Sisters decides to spend its resources where they are needed most, catering to schools where there are high numbers of reduced-free lunches served to the children per week. \nThe hour per week at the school is well spent. Efforts concentrate on building a strong friendship between the volunteer and child. "The program adds consistency to the child's life," said Teresa Malone, Volunteer Coordinator of the School Based Mentoring Program. "The focus is not on the academic process but rather a friendship, an adult friend to count on." \nAt least twenty minutes out of the hour are devoted to "having fun." Ben and Angela supplement this time with a round of basketball. Their usual day consists of reading, doing spelling and playing basketball. When asked what his favorite part is, Ben states "everything!" \n"School Bigs" is by no means a one way relationship but rather a give and take process. "The kids and volunteers benefit. The volunteer is able to make a noticeable difference, enhancing the child's self esteem," said Liz Grenat, Program Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters Bloomington.\nBig Brothers Big Sisters America was founded in 1904 and has fulfilled its mission "helping children become confident, competent, and caring" for several decades. A menu of opportunities has been designed in order to meet the needs to the children as well as the volunteers. \nSchool based mentoring is not the only program that Big Brothers Big Sisters runs. "Big/Little Mentoring," the most well-known program, matches school aged children with professionally screened and trained adults. The organization targets individuals who are "mentor rich," possessing a high commitment level and interest. The child and mentor meet on a regular basis outside of the classroom. "First Friends" is another program established to provide companionship to those on the waiting list for the "Big/Little Mentoring program." Volunteers participate in two group activities each month. "Club Connection," specific to the IU branch, occurs during the school year as well as the summer. Volunteers are matched with children in the Boys & Girls Club. "The mentor helps assimilate the child in to the club," said Grenat.\nBig Brothers Big Sisters of Bloomington is always looking for volunteers. Anyone is welcome to join in enhancing the lives of those in need. "We are lucky in the community, being blessed with the university and so many students wanting to volunteer," said Grenat. \nThe current struggle is getting community volunteers. The organization provides a wonderful opportunity for not only students but also community members and school faculty and staff.\nGoodwin participates on a regular basis with one objective at hand. "I hope to enhance Ben's life by giving him a friend and a role model. The main importance is not what I can get out of it but rather what he takes away"