Key Facts
- Matches in Los Alamos last year
- 41
- Years in Los Alamos
- Over 18
- Founded in Santa Fe
- 1979
- Lunch Buddy schools
- Aspen, Barranca Mesa, Chamisa Elementary, Los Alamos Middle School
- High School Big schools
- Mountain Elementary, Barranca Mesa Elementary
Background
Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Mexico (BBBSNM) supports youth by creating one-on-one mentorships. The organization has been active in Los Alamos for over 18 years, and last year there were 41 matches in their programs in the area.
The organization started in Santa Fe in 1979 and recently merged with other regions in New Mexico under the motto 'One Mission, One State, One Big Difference.'
Current Situation
As the new school year begins, BBBSNM is recruiting volunteers for its two main mentoring options. The Community-Based program offers flexible scheduling, with matches meeting on evenings or weekends for activities such as visiting a museum, hiking, or going to a movie at SALA.
The Site-Based 'Lunch Buddy' program pairs mentors with students at their school during lunch or recess, meeting once a week to talk, play games, make crafts, or use the playground. Lunch Buddy programs are currently active at Aspen Elementary, Barranca Mesa Elementary, Chamisa Elementary, and Los Alamos Middle School.
Additionally, High School Big programs operate at Mountain Elementary and Barranca Mesa Elementary, where high school students mentor elementary-aged students once a week at the school site.
| Program | Schools | Meeting Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch Buddy | Aspen, Barranca Mesa, Chamisa Elementary, Los Alamos Middle School | Once a week |
| High School Big | Mountain Elementary, Barranca Mesa Elementary | Once a week |
| Community-Based | Flexible locations | Flexible (evenings/weekends) |
Impacts
School staff have observed positive effects on students. Kim Holladay, school counselor at Aspen Elementary, said the Lunch Buddies who volunteer each week make 'a really wonderful impact' on students and their school experience.
One student remarked, 'My friends see me with my Big Sister and want to have one, too!' indicating that the program's visibility may encourage more students to seek mentors.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If volunteer recruitment continues successfully, BBBSNM could expand its Lunch Buddy and High School Big programs to additional schools in Los Alamos, potentially increasing the number of matches beyond last year's 41.
The recent merger of BBBSNM regions may allow for more streamlined operations and broader support, which could lead to more mentoring opportunities for students across New Mexico.
However, if volunteer numbers do not keep pace with demand, some schools may face waiting lists for students seeking mentors, and the organization may need to focus on retention strategies.
Source: ladailypost.com
