MUSKEGON, Mich.– Tom Hickman and Jake Williams seem like family the way they joke around with each other, but they actually met through ‘Big Brothers-Big Sisters of the Lakeshore’ 3 years ago.
Hickman says Jake’s grades have improved and he talks to him often about the significance of doing well in school.
Despite the success of that pair, though, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore needs volunteers, especially in the Muskegon area.
Cindy Timmerman, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lakeshore, says they have a hundred young people on their waiting list, 49 of them from Muskegon and Muskegon Heights and the majority of them are young males looking for mentors.
“It’s so hard for any of us in the mentoring organization to find male volunteers in particular and so were very worried about these young men that are waiting for a positive adult role model to come into their life,” said Timmerman.
A role model that can keep these kids out of trouble and show them they do have a bright future.
“More or less with him I’ve learned more respect. I’d have to say the biggest thing he taught me is respect for other people, just how to be a better person,” said Williams.
Hickman says the more people who get involved, the more kids they can keep on the right track and the fewer problems there will be.
“It doesn’t have to be a long time there’s a lot of times Jake and I meet for an hour and half and just sit down and talk, nothing fancy,” said Hickman.
‘Big Brothers-Big Sisters of the Lakeshore’ is also looking for help financially to serve ‘littles.” They are holding an event July 25 at the Hampton Green Farm called ‘ Hot Havana Nights’ if you would like to help.
For more information on that and how to get involved: http://bbbslakeshore.org/
