(ANGOLA) - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana is looking for more volunteer mentors in Angola as local children continue to wait for matches.
Ann Casteen, director of development for Big Brothers Big Sisters, spoke to the Angola Common Council on Monday and said the organization is currently serving children in Angola but needs additional volunteers to meet demand.
"We currently have kids that are what we call ready to be matched," Casteen said. "That means they've been through our process. We know everything about them, what they like to do, what their interests are, and what their personality is like. We are just waiting to find a compatible big brother or big sister for those kids."
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches adult volunteers with children for one-on-one mentoring relationships. Activities can include fishing, sports, crafts, games, baking, hiking and other shared interests.
Casteen said the organization has been creating mentoring relationships in northeast Indiana for more than 50 years and serves 10 counties in Indiana and two counties in southern Michigan.
She told council members many young people continue to struggle with loneliness and social isolation despite being connected online.
"The loneliness epidemic that you hear about is in fact real," Casteen said.
Casteen said mentoring helps young people build confidence, improve social skills and develop stronger educational and career aspirations.
She encouraged residents to consider becoming volunteer mentors and said local businesses, churches and community groups can help by inviting the organization to speak about its programs.
"We know that there are adults in the Angola community who care about the community, care about kids, would love to do something, but might not know how easy it is and how fun it is," she said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters plans to return to Angola Bowl next February for its annual Bowl For Kids' Sake fundraiser.