Big Brothers Big Sisters calls on men to “Man Up” and volunteer
Sebastian Roman, 11, likes to draw, sing, play piano and hike. He and his mom Noemi Ruiz have always been a team at their home in Indio, but something has always been missing: a father-figure.
“I know there is stuff (Sebastian) won’t tell me. I know is he had a positive role model, someone to guide him in the best direction, that would help me out a lot,” said Ruiz.
Roman’s dad was in prison before he was deported to Mexicali, and has hardly been a part of their lives, which is why Roman joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert more than a year ago.
“I want a big brother just to experience it. I joined the program and I’m still waiting for a big brother,” said Roman.
BBBS serves more than 400 children in the Coachella Valley alone. There are nearly 70 kids on the waiting list, a majority who are little boys. Many are from the East Valley, according to David Greenberg, a Big Brother and board vice president of the organization.
Recruiting men is a challenge, often because of distance and commitment, so Big Brothers Big Sisters kicked off a “Man Up” campaign across the state, calling on men 18 and over to “man up” and be a big brother, or a mentor for boys such as Roman.
All it takes is eight hours of quality time together a month, and a promise you’ll be there.
“Do you play golf, go hiking, go to the park to shoot hoops? Being a big brother is just bringing a child along with you,” said BBBS Executive Director Judy Tobin May.
Many of the children come from single-parent homes, low-income circumstances and your commitment is one-on-one time to push their worries aside and focus on a brighter future.
“I know there’s someone out there that will match him. It would be an experience that you’ll never forget.”
Until then, Roman waits and hopes for a match.
“I’m excited because I’m on the top of the list. So I’m probably going to get one soon,” said Roman.
If you’d like to be a “Big,” contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert and visit their website for more information www.bbbsdesert.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert
42-600 Cook Street, Suite 110
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 568-3977
(760) 568-2282 FAX
