Massachusetts Children Can Use Your Help

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(summer 2007)

Massachusetts Children Can Use Your Help

Improving the life of a child has many rewards and there are thousands of children who can use your help.  “Quincy was just an energetic young kid, and he really loved music.  He wanted to learn how to write, and of course, I knew how to write, and that drew us together.  You could tell that he wanted to learn, he wanted to know.  And because I was able to show him some things, that made me happy, that's what stirred my heart,” said the late musician, Ray Charles, on his relationship with this year’s Mentor of the Year winner, music entrepreneur Quincy Jones.  Being a mentor can involve as little as a few hours a week to the full-time commitment of being a foster care parent.  State employees and retirees alike find that helping children in need is both rewarding and fulfilling.

To encourage state employees to help others, Executive Office employees get the equivalent of one paid workday a month for mentoring a child under Governor Deval Patrick’s “State Employees Responding as Volunteers” initiative.  Foster Care parents also have access to a leave benefit.   Visit the Human Resource Division’s website, or see your agency’s payroll department for details. 

MENTORING PROGRAMS

Mass Mentoring Partnership:  This statewide umbrella agency for the Commonwealth’s youth mentoring programs can help you explore and connect with available mentoring opportunities in your area, including the two programs discussed below.  MMP can also assist you with a better understanding of the Commonwealth’s mentoring leave time program.  Go to Mass Mentoring Partnership or call 1-866-627-7636 for details.

Big Sister Association of Greater Boston:  For over 50 years, this organization has matched at-risk girls ages 7 to 15 with a caring, supportive mentor in over 65 Massachusetts communities.  As a mentor, you decide how to spend time with your Little Sister, whether it’s going to the park, playing a board game, or going to the movies.  Your time, friendship, and commitment will help to increase your Little Sister’s confidence, competence in school, participation in extracurricular activities, and respect and trust in others. For additional details, contact Big Sisters at 617-236-8060.

Big Brothers of Massachusetts Bay:  Similar to the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, this organization matches children with mentors in professionally supported one-to-one relationships.  The organization serves children ages 6 through 18 in community-based one-on-one mentoring programs, as well as school-based programs, throughout Eastern Massachusetts.  Contact Big Brothers at 617-542-9090 for more information.

FOSTER CARE
With approximately 8,000 Massachusetts children in foster care, there is a great need for families willing to open their hearts and homes.  You will be providing a safe home for a child who has been removed from a home due to abuse, neglect, unsafe, or dangerous conditions.  Children of all ages and communities need help.  For additional details, contact DSS at 1-800-KIDS-508.