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MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILDS LIFE
Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Ocean County Celebrate 10 Years
By Jo Ann La Russo
 | | --Photo By Jo Ann La Russo Celebrating 10 years of enriching a child's life, are (l-r) Big Brothers and Big Sisters Of Ocean County Executive Director Sue Sedivec, and mentors Robert Dupree, Steve Kempf and Joe Mase. |
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Whether attending a football game or helping with homework, mentors in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of Ocean County share with children what they need the most: attention and time, someone to talk to, learn from, go places with and look up to.
With January being National Mentoring Month, the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County organization coupled the commemoration with its 10th anniversary celebration by honoring the many volunteer members that help to make the programs so successful, said Sue Sedivec, executive director.
"We are celebrating 10 years of Little Moments, Big Magic," she said. "We took this opportunity to increase awareness of our services and also thank the many volunteers that make social services in Ocean County such a success."
The nonprofit organization provides community, school and site-based mentoring to over 650 children in Ocean County through a traditional one-on-one format and after school and lunch buddy programs, explained both Tim Sullivan, a school based mentor, and Harvey Glatzer, a school coordinator.
The high school students, usually seniors, are trained and certified to work as volunteer mentors, with their visits taking place at the child's elementary school.
"They might play a game of ball, help with
homework or just hang out," Sullivan said. "The kids love the attention and they look
forward to each visit."
At Wednesday's reception, held at the agency's Lakewood headquarters, members of the organization's board of directors mingled with representatives from various county social service agencies who lauded the program.
"It is wonderful and provides such needed programs," said Bahiyyah Abdullah, representative of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.
"All kids want to join something," said Vincent Tozzi, board member. "This is something positive. With the right role models, the kids can learn that the system does work and that you can succeed and get ahead in a positive way."
"The organization is wonderful," added board member Carleen Lombard. "The mentors are great people, giving people." Lombardi said the "Bigs" and "Littles" are all about "mostly having fun."
"Kids need someone in their life to look up to," said Leonard Allen, a Friend of the Board Committee, a subcommittee of the board of directors that helps to recruit mentors, develop programs and host fundraising events.
"They need somebody in their life," he said.
Agnes Hebler, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Ocean County, and an adjunct professor at Ocean County Community College, where the agency is based, called mentoring, "a labor of love."
When she speaks to children who have
participated in the program, Hebler said, "it is evident how much it means to them …
there are so many events to spend quality time together."
Hebler was also quick to point out that the Ocean County Literacy Volunteer program, at the OCCC campus is, "always looking for volunteers."
As a Big Brother for five years, Robert Dupree of Whiting, agreed as he spoke with pride about his Little Brother, Marvin, now aged 16 years old.
"He is extremely polite, and has a smile
that can light up a room," said Dupree, a
Chaplain at VFW post 10061, Lakehurst. "He also loves sports and music."
Joe Mase of Bayville, a Big Brother to Andrew for seven years, proudly pointed out that the teenager has plans "to become a finance banker." It seems that the youngster got a taste of the good life, enjoying rides on Mase's speedboat, in his Corvette, and has also been invited to several sporting events.
"He is like one of the family," said Mase.
Fellow mentor, Steve Kempf of Toms River, said that in the past 10 years he has mentored three little brothers.
"What a difference it makes in a kid's life," said Kempf.
"We are always looking for new mentors," Sedivec said, adding that the program has more boys than girls who are in need of a mentor.
Board member Ken Kerr said he remembers when the organization got its start.
"We started Big Brothers Big Sisters about 11 years ago, and at that time we used to meet in the Victory Diner in Toms River," he said. "Now we have 28 people on the board, 12 on staff on this facility, with over 650 kids who are matched in one of our programs."
The organization looks forward to its eighth annual Bowl For Kids Sake, to take place on Sunday, March 2, at the Playdome Bowling Center in Toms River, and on March 8th at Thunderbird Lanes Manahawkin.
Bowl For Kids Sake is the organization's major fundraising event for 2008, Sedivec said, adding that additional sponsorship is always needed for the event.
"It would be greatly appreciated if a company would consider supporting this event as a sponsor, or by donating gifts and prizes," said Sedivec. "Presently BBBSOC serves 650 Ocean County youth in our mentoring programs, but there are 150 Ocean County children who are on our waiting lists to be matched with a caring mentor."
Registration deadline for sponsorship is February 18.
"Participation in this worthwhile event could make a difference in the lives of Ocean County children," said Sedivec.
For additional information contact the agency's office at 732-905-5349.
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