The local Big Brother Big Sisters, BBBS, chapter is working to bring their program into community schools, and so far, the response has been better than expected.

BBBS has mainly been community based, which is primarily away from the school setting, yet some adults have participated in a school based program. Brie Weaver, with DeWitt County BBBS, notes a new school program recently began with high school students acting as mentors. Farmer City and DeLand-Weldon have participated and Weaver is hoping Clinton schools will join next year.

[audio:5111564156-51115bbbsschool1.mp3] [/audio]

The high schoolers are screened like any adult in Big Brother or Big Sister. Weaver says interviews are conducted to make sure the students are good matches for their program and most importantly, the kids.

[audio:5111564158-51115bbbsschool2.mp3] [/audio]

The main responsibility of the mentors, also known as "bigs", is to spend quality time with their "littles". Weaver explains they can assist with homework but are encouraged to play or just talk with their "little" during their time together.

[audio:5111564201-51115bbbsschool3.mp3] [/audio]

Over the past year, BBBS has seen great results with the Farmer City program. Weaver believes both "bigs" and "littles" are affected in positive ways through their time together.