Cape Cod: On March 1, 2024, BBBSCCI launched the largest volunteer recruitment campaign in its 50-year history: Erase the Wait. The campaign, now entering its third week, seeks to recruit 88 volunteers for the 88-youth seeking a mentor across the Cape, Islands & Plymouth. To date, more than 45 volunteers have stepped forward, however, less than 10 volunteers are men.
“In just two weeks, the women of our region have stepped forward in droves for girls on the waitlist,” says JR Mell, Regional Director for BBBSCCI. “With over 50 boys still waiting, it’s time for the men of our community to step up, volunteer, and meet the need.”
The majority of the boys who are waiting are on the Upper Cape, Wareham & Plymouth and range between the ages of 7 and 14; many of the older boys have been waiting longer than they should. The agency notes that there are 32 boys in these regions seeking a Big Brother.
“A few hours, twice a month, might not seem like much to you, but for a boy on our waitlist it means everything.” said Mell.
Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more can visit the BBBS website: https://emassbigs.org/erasethewait/. Groups or organizations who may want to help BBBS with this campaign may contact JR Mell, Regional Director at jrmell@capebigs.org or 508-827-8170.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands: BBBS is on a mission to help children in under-resourced families thrive by providing transformational, one-to-one professionally-supported relationships with caring adult mentors. Founded in 1974, and a part of BBBSEM, BBBS is the only volunteer based, one to one, professionally supported mentoring program on the Cape & Islands. BBBS currently serves over 300 kids throughout the Cape & Islands. For more information please visit: www.CapeBigs.org