COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two Columbia based youth mentorship programs are merging in order to continue to provide services to children and young adults who may be at risk.
As of Monday, December 21, all matches with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia (BBBSGC) have merged with Ezekiel Ministries Mentoring program. Even so, 138 children are still in need of an adult mentor.
Community-based mentoring is outlined as an adult who commits to invest at least one hour per week into a long-term mentorship with a child. This looks different in each situation as each match is carefully planned out to give the mentor and the child the best chance of a successful match. Once matched, families get the benefit of having someone encourage, listen to and become another guide for their child.
“There is such a need for mentors in our community. Having been one for over ten years, I’ve seen the positive impact it can have on a kid’s life,” said Chairman of the BBBSGC board, Grant Gillespie. “We feel fortunate to have partnered with Ezekiel Ministries so together we can better support the children in this community that need it the most.”
"Many adults think that teens just want to be left alone, which isn’t always the case,” said Director of Mentoring at Ezekiel Ministries, Sally Brown. “We interview kids of all ages each week, and they are all excitedly anticipating what their Big will be like and what they will do together. Kids want loving adults to show them that they matter."
According to the Ezekiel Ministries website, children can participate in Ezekiel Ministry programs through community-based mentoring, after-school programs or through an apprenticeship at Eze Farms -- an urban farm in Columbia. Each program is designed to give parents a valuable long-term resource where their children can be safe, encouraged and guided well by loving adults. As a result, children make better decisions, families grow stronger and communities are forever changed. Learn more at ezeministries.org
