Many high school students are looking for volunteer work to build their resumes for entering college and the workforce. There are also many preschool aged children with developmental disabilities who need mentors and love making new friends. This is just one of many great reasons to join the new Big Buddies Program at Ft. Loramie Schools.
Pictured left to right: Ashley Steinke (BBBS), Ft Loramie Student Volunteer, Jessica Guillozet (SCBDD), Angie Kunk (Shelby Hills Teacher)
Recently, the Shelby Co Board of Developmental Disabilities (SCBDD) and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) started a new program called Ft Loramie Buddies. The Ft Loramie Buddies program allows Fort Loramie High School students to volunteer as mentors to preschoolers enrolled in the Shelby Hills Fort Loramie satellite classroom. This is, overall, a great collaboration between Fort Loramie High School (students and administration), BBBS, and several departments at SCBDD (including Shelby Hills Preschool and the Community Education & Outreach Dept).
When high school students volunteer, they are paired one-on-one with Shelby Hills students who have disabilities. High school buddies are expected to bond with their preschool buddies over homework, recreational activities, and play time. Also, high school volunteers will attend 2-3 meetings per month during the school year. The experience can be very rewarding for everyone involved.
If you are a Ft Loramie high school student and want to volunteer for the Big Buddies Program, fill out and return the form below. If you have more questions about the program, contact Jessica Guillozet at jguillozet@shelbydd.org or (937) 658-6825.