Positive role models can make a big impact in the life of an at-risk youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters match children ages 6-18 with adults, who want to make a difference in their lives. They are in a constant need for volunteers, especially men, to mentor these children, or “littles,” as Regional Executive Director Tarrant County Kelly Imig affectionately calls them.

Mentors are asked to serve for a minimum of one year, but the benefits of the relationships begin appearing after that time, so they’re urged to continue longer if possible. “One year is the point at which positive results tend to be seen,” Imig explained. “The longer you go the more positive impact the relationship has.” The mentors meet with their little “sibling” at least once per week. The program sponsors both community mentoring, in which the mentors take their charges on outings around town, or site-based mentoring, in which the mentors meet their littles at a school site.

Thanks to companies such as Reliant Energy who help Big Brothers Big Sisters change the way children grow up in Texas by hosting Home Run Derby.

Yesterday, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett and eight of the team’s players went to bat for BBBS.

About 150 members of the BBBS organization cheered on the Cowboys at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Cowboys’ Tight End John Phillips was clearly the star of the show by blasting the baseball on the second row of the left field seats.

Home Run Derby resulted in Reliant making a $40,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Consider making a donation or more importantly becoming a mentor for a child. Big Brothers Big Sisters is actively seeking new adult volunteers, especially men. Your impact will be life-changing!