“Mentorship impacts not only a child’s potential, but it also impacts the impression they will have on others throughout their lifetime,” says Greg Winkfield, the organization’s new CEO. “Every mentorship relationship is unique, designed to meet the specific needs of each child.”
At this moment, Winkfield said, 34 young people are on the waitlist hoping to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister.
One of the organization’s most recent matches is Little Sister Kai Asha and Big sister Elaine!
“The match talked about their shared love of animals and Kai Asha is excited to meet Elaine’s dog as well as the horses she helps care for on an outing in their future!” said Winkfield. “For their first outing they are going to focus on getting to know each other.”
Who they serve
In 2023, BBBSMV matched lore than 500 “Littles” with caring “Bigs.” The nonprofit serves Montgomery, Greene, Preble and Miami counties. The children served come from diverse backgrounds, often facing significant socioeconomic barriers and benefit greatly from mentoring.
- 80 percent of the “littles” come from households living at or under the poverty line.
- 68 percent of the littles come from single parent households.
- 80 percent qualify for free or reduced lunch, highlighting economic hardship.
Despite these challenges, said Winkfield, the organization’s mentorship programs have proven results. He said 94 percent of Littles report they made better decisions, 85 percent improved their grades and overall academic performance, and 46 percent are more likely to avoid illegal drug use.
“These outcomes underscore the transformative power of mentorship in shaping future leaders and fostering civic engagement,” Winkfield said.
BBBSMV invites community members to support in a variety of different ways: by becoming Bigs, by supporting events, by donating financially or through items needed.
Here’s what they can use:
- Tickets to sporting events/performing arts for experiences such as UD Flyers, Dayton Dragons, Cincinnati Bengals and Wright State Raiders
- Gift cards for activities bigs and littles can enjoy together such as movies, Scene 75 time, etc.
- Craft supplies
- Seasonal crafts kits for holidays or seasons
- Discount cards for local attractions such as the Dayton Art Institute, Carillon Park, Aullwood Audubon Center
- Restaurant gift cards
- School supplies: Markers, crayons, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners to ensure kids have all the necessities they need throughout the school year
- Educational workbooks
- Backpacks (new)
Donations can be dropped off from 8:30-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office located at 22 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Dayton.
Other ways to help:
- Volunteer support for events assistance. Organizing and running BBBSMV events is crucial.
- Become a Big Brother or Big Sister. “The requirements we ask of Bigs are just 4-6 hours a month spent with your mentee or two outings/meetings each month,” said Winkfield. “This can be a meet-up or a planned event.”
To learn more about the organization or to become a Big Brother or Sister, visit www.bbbsmiamivalley.org.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Meredith Moss writes about Dayton-area nonprofit organizations and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: meredith.moss@coxinc.com. Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your group’s mission.
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