Ponoka’s Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentoring programs have gone virtual.
In this time of social isolation, matches are not able to connect in person every week.
However, thanks to support from local schools, families and the BBBS national office, assistance has been provided to matches for weekly meetings on various social platforms.
Community-based matches continue to connect through phone calls, Facebook, Google meet and various other face to face social means.
In-school mentoring matches would see each other once a week on school property, but since schools closed, staff have been supporting these matches to connect weekly through a variety of means depending on the technological resources available.
Ponoka BBBS understands the situation is new for many mentors and mentees, so staff are supporting matches whenever needed.
A weekly newsletter from staff with resources and activities is being sent out to mentors along with consistent contact being made with mentors, mentees and families.
Currently, there are 76 active matches and 62 of those have been able to meet virtually.
Virtual mentoring is a unique way for mentors and mentees to connect and it is a way that may work better for some mentors than meeting in person.
- Submitted by Ponoka Big Brothers Big Sisters
