DETROIT – Big Brothers Big Sisters is calling on the Detroit community to take action and make sure at-risk children have someone to guide them along a positive path in life.
Citing a shortage of male mentors in the area, BBBS has set a goal of getting 100 mentors in 100 days.
"We have thousands of kids in our community that need mentors in our community," said organization CEO Jeannine Gant. "In particular, we need men of color to step up and mentor boys of color."
Boys like seventh-graders Antonio Cowan and Jadon Chavis are what she's referring to. Both are learning big things from their big brothers.
"He's taught me how to, like, just to believe in myself in what I do and to get my school work done so I can get a great education," Chavis said.
"If I don't know what to do in life, I can just call him and ask him questions," Cowan said.
Deputy Mayor Isaiah McKinnon has had a mentor through the organization since he was in middle school.
"I've had a mentor for 60 years," he said. "As a deputy mayor, it's even more so (important) because we see so many young people who can be guided by people who can give them the guidance that they need."
Becoming a big brother or big sister to a child only requires a few hours commitment per month for about a year. Big Brothers Big Sisters "100 Mentors in 100 Days" deadline is on April 1. So far they're about halfway there.
If you'd like to become a mentor, visit www.bbbsdetroit.org.