Big Brothers Big Sisters to start mentorship program with safety forces

ELYRIA — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County is launching a new mentorship program with safety forces. Law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, first responders and corrections officers all have been invited to participate in the program. Big Brothers Big Sisters held a summit last week to provide an overview of mentorships and the benefits. Director Holly Brinda said one of the main goals of the program is to keep at-risk youth out of the juvenile system. But at the same time, it can also help build trust with communities, Brinda said. "We know that by connecting these public professionals with youth in positive ways can not only reduce crime and community violence, but you also have the ability to change some negative perceptions of law enforcement in communities of color and beyond," she said. Officers mentoring youth in the community can help remove stigmas surrounding police, Brinda said. Although there still are policing challenges in communities that need to be addressed, Brinda said this is an opportunity for Lorain County to do things different. Elyria, Lorain, Oberlin, North Ridgeville, Amherst and Avon Lake all have expressed interest in the program. Oberlin police Chief Ryan Warfield is a mentor himself, and he also sits on the Big Brothers Big Sisters board. Avon Lake Mayor Greg Zilka is also a mentor, and he has pushed for his officers to get involved in the program, Brinda said. Brinda said Big Brothers Big Sisters is eager to start the program, and it has started making follow-up calls with departments. And mentors won't just be left alone. Brinda said Big Brothers Big Sisters will offer different resources to help both mentors and mentees. Training addresses risk factors for students, such as academic failure, rebelliousness, economic disadvantage and family conflict. Brinda said three to five hours of mentoring a month can decrease risky behaviors. "We're excited about it," she said. "We think we could make a positive influence on our children, our neighborhoods, our families. And it's an opportunity for our safety forces to get some trust." With the pandemic, most of the matches and activities have taken place virtually. However, Brinda said there's also a waiver that allows for in-person mentoring, as long as guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are followed. Big Brothers Big Sisters also has partnered with Kendal at Oberlin to provide mentorship to young students. In March, the organization will make a big push to get more mentors signed into the program, particularly men of color. About 300 children currently are mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Mentors do have to go through a background check. Brinda said there are 54 children currently on a waiting list to receive a mentor. To sign up to volunteer, go to https://www.bigloraincounty.org/volunteer-application19. Contact Laina Yost at (440) 329-7121 or lyost@chroniclet.com.