A frequently heard concern about society these days is a lack ofgood role models and mentors for our younger generation. Sportsstars, entertainers, politicians and others placed on the distantrole model pedestal can sometimes come up short.

That is why programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters are soimportant.

By serving as mentors, high school and college students andadults right here in Brookhaven and Lincoln County have anopportunity to positively impact the lives of young children inneed of someone to look up to.

In the program, “Bigs” typically meet with their “Littles” forabout an hour each week on campus. Activities can include playinggames, helping with homework or just talking about what’s going onin the young person’s life.

The program is aimed at helping young people, but mentors alsogain from the experience. Many mentors share stories about therelationships that developed through taking part in the mentoringprogram.

Big Brothers Big Sisters officials say they are always in needof people willing to serve as mentors. Mentor applicants will havea background check done on them before being allowed toparticipate.

Anyone interested in serving as a mentor is encouraged tocontact the local program office at (601) 835-3982.