Making a Difference: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon harbors safe, positive relationships through mentoring
Kelsey Merison
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — For this month’s ‘21 Cares for Kids: Making a Difference’ spotlight, we’re highlighting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon—a youth mentoring network solely supported by donors and volunteers.
“The first thing we did is go climbing at the Bend Rock Gym,” said Ryan Bukstein, a Big Brother.
Ryan and Maddox have a lot of fun together.
Ryan and Maddox
“I had never climbed before and so that was really cool for me because it was a little scary. And (Maddox) had climbed,” Ryan said. “He’s a really talented climber, loves it, so he got to help me learn to climb.”
Their relationship blossomed two years ago when Ryan decided he wanted to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon (BBBSCO).
“My wife and I decided we weren’t going to have kids, and I wanted kids to be a part of my life. So I was looking into the options there. And I had heard about Big Brothers Big Sisters, so I just hit them up and they connected me,” Ryan said. “Actually, I told them that I really wanted a younger kid, and so that opened me up to a lot more options. And (Maddox) was the first person I met with. I went to his house, and immediately he was like, ‘Let’s go ride bikes!’ And they were like, ‘No, we have to do this match process first.’ But he was in it from the start. So it was really cool, we hit it off.”
Ryan Bukstein
Since then, it’s been nothing but good times and lasting memories—something many Central Oregon kids are able to experience through BBBSCO.
“We serve over 220 kids each year through Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties, kids from all communities from La Pine and Madras,” said Jenn Davis, the program director.
Jenn Davis
Jenn gets to see the program’s impact first-hand.
“Mentoring has proven that it has an impact on our economy. Kids who have a stable mentor in their life are more likely to graduate high school and go on to secondary education,” Jenn said. “They’re more likely to make two-thirds greater income over their lifetime than their non-mentored peers, and they close the economic gap. They’re more likely to have the income closer to their mentors and their families. It really improves our economy.”
Big and Little sisters
And now, in a space that’s brand new, the opportunities are endless.
“Big Brothers Big Sisters moved on to the J Bar J community campus back in February. We’re so grateful to have this space,” Jenn said. “We have 20 acres for our kids to come out and enjoy our therapeutic horse program. It’s a space for them to spend time with their mentors. They can cook and bake and do arts and crafts. We started a tutoring program this summer. Lots of activities for them to engage in a safe place.”
Engaging activities in a safe place—something Ryan says all Central Oregonians can take part in with just a little free time and a lot of heart.
“So many people in Bend have the time to be a part of this. And I think here in Central Oregon, we could be an example for other areas, leading the charge,” Ryan said. “Reach out, come out here.”
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor with BBBSCO, or if you have a child you think would benefit from having a mentor, click here for more information.