Community outreach: Big Brothers Big Sisters creates lasting bonds

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Christine Collier
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (ACCNS) --  Going to a movie, playing at a park, eating an ice cream cone... These activities may not take a lot of time, but even the minutes they do take could make the difference in a child's life. 

Time and caring adults - those are the basic requirements for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, a one-to-one mentorship program that matches children with adults to form positive relationships. 

"Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great program for the children it helps, as well as the mentors," said Staff Sgt. Gillian Ricks, a 9th Security Forces Military Working Dog handler and Beale BBBS point of contact. "It's an opportunity to make a positive impact on a child's life - a lot of these children come from single-parent families or broken homes and need some adult attention and guidance." 

Sergeant Ricks, along with the Grass Valley chapter of BBBS, have brought the program to Beale, working to partner Airmen with children in the local community. Sergeant Ricks initially became involved in the program in Cape Cod, Mass. in 2003, and has been working toward a base and BBBS partnership since her arrival at Beale. 

"Being 'Big' is a very rewarding and gratifying volunteer opportunity; it is also a lot of fun," Sergeant Ricks said. 

She does stress that it's not a job to be taken lightly. 

"The goal of the program is to make a great connection with a 'Big' and a 'Little,' and have them continue their relationship as long as possible," Sergeant Ricks said. "But it is a commitment to these children. You will break their hearts if you don't keep your word." 

However, for a "Big" to maintain his or her commitment, it is as easy as spending two days a month with a "Little." 

BBBS is a flexible program, with two types of matches. There is a "community-based" match, which allows "Bigs" and "Littles" to plan events and outings to fit their schedules. 

There is also a "school-based" match, which is structured for "Bigs" to spend an hour each week visiting "Littles" at their school. Volunteers decide which match would be best for them. 

Maj. Michael Osterhoudt, 9th Medical Operations Squadron Optometry Services chief, is one Team Beale member who has already opted to make a difference in the life of a child. 

"My 'Little Brother' and I just celebrated our three-year anniversary in January," Major Osterhoudt said. "He was only eight years old when I started and now he is 11." 

Major Osterhoudt joined the Sacramento BBBS when he first arrived at Beale, and was matched with Dylan Kunz, a young boy who was hoping for a positive, older role model. 

Three years later, the pair are proof that time spent in the BBBS program is well worth it. 

"I'll be honest, the biggest benefit for me is that it has been fun," Major Osterhoudt said. 

He also adds that spending time with a "Little" is a great opportunity for Beale Airmen to get involved in the community, as well as give them something worthwhile to do in their spare time. 

"When I first got to Beale, I didn't know a lot of people and I was looking for things to do," the major said. "When I'm with my 'Little,' we play video games, laser tag, watch TV or movies, go bowling, eat pizza and do many other things together. Hopefully, I have been a positive role model for him. I have helped him with school and even helped him build a bird house for Boy Scouts - things maybe his dad would do if he were here. Most of all, I think he has a lot of fun with me. I know he really looks forward to seeing me." 

Dylan's feelings echo those of his mentor. 

"Spending time with my 'Big' is like hanging out with a friend you really like," Dylan said. "We hike, go to movies, go bowling and play laser tag. My favorite time was when we played video games and went to a movie." 

Dylan is one of many kids in the local area who is benefiting from a "Big Brother," but there are several others waiting to be matched with their mentor. 

"My best advice to those thinking about joining BBBS is to do it," Major Osterhoudt said. "There are so many kids that still need a 'Big Brother' or 'Sister.' It really doesn't take up much time. I see my 'Little Brother' every week, but even a visit every other week for these kids makes a huge difference." 

For more information on the Grass Valley BBBS and Beale partnership, call Sergeant Ricks at 634-2038. For information on volunteering in the Sacramento area, call (916) 646-9300. Information is also available on the BBBS Web site at http://www.bbbs.org.