Big Brothers Big Sisters- Devin Putman

1. Where the student volunteered their time

I volunteer my time with the organization Big Brothers Big Sisters. I applied to be in this program at the end of last year. I was accepted in August, and then received my little sister. Her name is Lyrik and she is ten years old. I volunteer my time one day a week for two or three hours. Some of the activities we do together consist of bowling, painting, arts and crafts, going to the pumpkin patch, and just spending time together. In the near future I plan on doing tie-dye with her as well as making gingerbread houses for Christmas. I have always wanted to belong to this organization and I am so pleased that I was accepted and given this opportunity.

2. How the service activity reflected concepts learned in the current FCS course (FCS 4840), and/or other FCS courses

Big Brothers Big Sisters in an organization that reflects concepts I have learned about in many of my FCS courses. Specifically to this one, this organization deals with disadvantaged families. The children in the program are involved because of a disadvantage that their family may have. These disadvantages may vary. This is an organization that allows these children to form relationships that they may not receive from their own family. The purpose of this program is based on forming friendships. Having a big sister or brother allows these disadvantaged children to participate in various activities that they would not be able to if they were not involved in the organization. The bond between the big and little is important in the child’s development. If they do not have someone to trust and talk to at home, then this is the perfect opportunity for them to form a close bond with someone else.

3. How the student networked with other professionals while participating in the activity and what they GAINED from that networking

Before getting accepted into this program, I had to go though many interviews and a back ground check. My interviews were with a man named Jason. He was involved in making the match between me and Lyrik. I communicate with a caseworker in Big Brother Big Sisters and let her know my progress with Lyrik. He name is Kelly Hardy. I inform her about what me and Lyrik do every week and also our progress together. If I have any questions or concerns Kelly Hardy is the one that I go to. She is able to provide support services to assist me if need be. She calls and contacts me at random times to check in and see how things are going. This organization offers internships as well. While volunteering my time, I have thought a lot about doing my internship there. I would love to be a part of this organization and work with disadvantaged families. Through this networking, I have gained a lot of information. Being a volunteer with this organization made me realize that working with kids is something that I want to pursue. I want to help children any way I can.

4. The potential effect the service activity and/or the service organization can have (or does have) on the community

This organization has a positive effect on the community. From the Charleston and Mattoon community, there are many children placed into this program. These children come from disadvantaged families. These families are looking for someone their children can confide in. Big Brothers Big Sisters is the most successful mentoring organization in the world. The friendships that are formed between the little and big sister have a lot of positive effects on the child. These children have something to look forward to every week. This program allows children to feel special and recognize that people do care about them. Being positive role models to these children affect the community in a constructive way.

5. A general reflection on the assignment (e.g., reactions, feelings, life lessons)

Overall, I really enjoy volunteering my time with this organization. I enjoyed this assignment because I was able to relate my volunteer experiences to the FCS courses that I am currently taking, or have taken in the past. It is very interesting to see how everything in FCS can be related. I have always loved to help people and this is exactly what this organization has allowed me to do. Being a big sister makes me feel proud that I am helping Lyrik. It is an awesome feeling to know that you have someone who looks up to you every day. It makes me want to become a better person because I know that I am a role model to Lyrik. I plan to continue volunteering with this organization as long as I can. Even though I am a junior and graduating next year, I plan to keep in touch with my little sister. We have formed such a strong bond already and that is something I do not want to lose sight of.