Jess Duffy from Big Brothers Big Sisters celebrates program as it heads into its third year.
By Kelly Yates
CASEY volunteers are celebrating the success of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as it heads into its third year.
The program, which is based on the simplicity and power of friendship, involves matching vulnerable young people aged seven to 17 years with adult volunteer mentors.
The centre has created more than 60 matches over the past two years.
Berwick resident Adam Hughes and 15-year-old Kayne were united in November 2006 and became the first Big Brother and Little Brother to be matched in the outer south east program.
Mr Hughes told the News he was attracted to the program because it gave him the opportunity to work with underprivileged children.
The friendship between the two took a unique turn, and after a year of building a relationship, Mr Hughes and his wife Joy applied to become foster carers so they could adopt Kayne permanently into their family.
“We started spending a couple of hours each Saturday fishing, riding bikes and going to the movies and then he came along to family events and became an integral part of the family,” he said.
“It was a natural progression for us to foster him.”
Mr Hughes said Kayne was “stoked” after being adopted in January last year.
The family recently enjoyed a trip to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore over the Christmas period.
Mr Hughes is encouraging the community to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
“All of the children involved have one thing in common – they are all looking for a friend,” he said.
“Words can’t describe the joy the adult mentors get out of the program. It’s a rollercoaster that hasn’t yet ended.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Outer South East Melbourne proves that mentoring works, according to team leader Rebecca Wolstenholme.
“As Big Brothers Big Sisters staff, we have the privilege of delivering this program in the outer south east and seeing it bring people together in an amazing way,” Ms Wolstenholme said.
“We are building a strong community of supporters, volunteers, young people and families who care for one another.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters is operating from temporary accommodation at the Andrews Centre in Endeavour Hills.
For information on supporting or volunteering for the program call 9700 4944 or 0427 540 563.
