Darrell Buttrick

August 28, 2007

Where there is an adult mentor, children are much less likely (46%) to start using drugs, less likely to skip school (53%)., and less prone to violence. These findings were reported by Public/Private Ventures in a 1992-93 research study for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Darrell Buttrick told Putnam Rotarians today.

During the past five years when he has served as its executive director, Buttrick has operated BBBS of South Central West Virginia for Kanawha, Jackson and Putnam counties on a shoestring budget with only two case workers and an administrative assistant.

Chartered in 1995 as a non-profit youth organization, the South Central organization today serves nearly 150 children, and some of those mentored a few years ago are now "big brothers" and "big sisters" in their turn.

The volunteer mentors undergo a rigorous background and security check under the supervision of the licensed social workers on staff. BBBS then conducts its own training program over a period of 35 to 45 days before prospective mentors are approved for assignment.

All the young people enrolled in a community-based program are from single-parent families. In a new school-based program, mentors spend time on campus giving homework help, counseling on peer relationships, and discouraging absenteeism.

The local organization sponsors several social events throughout the year. These include holiday parties, bonfires, hay rides, picnics, bowling and community service projects.

Mentors spend six to eight hours a month with their "little brothers" and "little sisters". Most assignments are one-on-one.

The South Central organization also sponsors fund-raising events which cover most of its operating costs. The balance comes from government and foundation grants and support from service organizations such as Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis. Cost to support a single child-mentor pair is about $885 per year.

Employee groups often volunteer for corporate support of the program. The West Virginia Hospital Association and Columbia Gas Transmission have provided many volunteers and also helped with fund-raising.

BBBS is the oldest mentoring organization in the United States. From its beginnings a century ago in Cincinnati, the BBBS national organization expects to provide more than 1,000,000 mentors in the next five years.

Prospective volunteers may contact the local BBBS at the office at 325 Sixth Avenue, South Charleston, or by phone at 746-7900.

The waiting list has approximately 30 children looking for a "big brother" or a "big sister".