Elementary school students needing a boost in Windsor-Essex are finding teen mentors thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The organization launched its new teen mentor program recently, and has paired 21 kids with teen counterparts.
Director of Programs Rose Culmone says, "The children are referred by their elementary school because they have some kind of need for that extra attention, that companionship, that role model and just that consistent friendship, knowing that someone is going to be there for them if they need it."
"The teens are selected because they are seen as definite leaders," she explains. "They have that capacity to build those relationships and be good role models and are responsible students."
There are six schools involved in the program so far, including FJ Brennan Catholic High School and Corpus Christi Middle School, Assumption College Catholic High School and Assumption Middle School, as well as WF Herman secondary and elementary schools.
Grade 12 student at FJ Brennan Maxwell Ieraci is really enjoying his time as a mentor, "It's a great idea. It allows [the elementary students] to socialize with people, build some skills they might not have, and it allows me to build skills that I wouldn't have too."
He's mentoring Grade 8 Corpus Christi student Aidan Hepburn.
"It is a great program, definitely," says Hepburn. "And because of it, I got to meet a great friend -- Max."
The money for this program comes from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Big Brothers Big Sisters had asked for more support to develop one-to-one programming, as Culmone says it's been tough to attract adult mentors in recent years.
She's hopeful that these teens will not only succeed in helping elementary students in need, but that some might also stay with her organization and transition into becoming adult mentors.