Big Brothers Big Sisters calls for mentors to help shape Middle Georgia’s youth

"Our kids honestly make better grades. They start going to school, because they change their attitudes about going to school and why it's important for their futures."

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Studies have shown that mentoring is a societal solution with real, tangible impact on the economic successes of young people and communities like Middle Georgia.

President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Heart of Georgia, Betsy Fitzgerald, says every child deserves to have a caring adult in their immediate circle.

“It’s one of those things that they can see that they have so much potential, and the sky’s the limit, and they don’t just have to accept what their current situation is, as what their future’s going to look like,” she said.

According to Fitzgerald, the program helps shape our youth’s future.  

“Our kids honestly make better grades,” she said. “They start going to school, because they change their attitudes about going to school and why it’s important for their futures.”

Fitzgerald says the organization not only helps the mentees but also inspires the mentors.

“They had no idea how this was going to be positive on them,” she said. “They learn about different cultures, different people, and for some it really makes them more aware about some of the things that are going on, and the struggles that some of our families in central Georgia are having, and it makes them a better person.”  

The saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” That’s why Fitzgerald is calling on the community for help.

“We welcome organizations and companies to talk to us about how they can get involved, because time is very valuable to us and also introduces our kids to other career paths as well as their company, because we know that people support companies that do good things for their communities.”

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