Since 2020, Big Brothers and Big Sisters (BB/BS) have been operating in Weyburn without a physical location to call their own. Often times a free space at the Weyburn Public Library would allow the organization the ability to meet with residents as needed, but locals will now have the option of walking into their downtown office to inquire about programming or opportunities to volunteer with the organization. Director of Development and Communications Amy Mohr explained that becoming more accessible to the community is important for the quality of services they can provide. 

"We did what most businesses had to, and we reverted to operating virtually. Even our mentoring programs transitioned to virtual, but we just know that in-person is always better," said Mohr. "Having this space will allow us to meet with community champions, mentors, families, and mentees in a place where they hopefully feel a bit more comfortable chatting about their needs."

The organization aims to supply critical support to Weyburn's youth through a mentorship approach to growth and development. Because this mission can be approached in many ways, BB/BS has been gathering input to find out what the current needs of the community are so they can target those needs specifically. Mohr stated that they are actively working on two initiatives that address the feedback they've received. 

BBBSweyburn

"Right now, we're seeing the community tell us that the in-school mentorship program is a need. We send mentors to the elementary school for one hour once a week to meet kids where they are at, providing extra encouragement for their mentees to show up and engage, and really they make it a more fun place for students to be. There's lots of potential there for the kids and we're seeing some really great results, so we're excited to continue that program," said Mohr. "The other need that Weyburn has expressed is one of an after-school program. Alongside the City of Weyburn, we've put out a small survey to see how we could best deliver that program. We're still in the planning stages for that, but we are hoping to execute it by September of 2024."

Results of the in-school program have shown that students are building better relationships with their peers, teachers, and families, and that both attendance and grades improve for BB/BS mentees. A more complete feeling of community at these developmental ages doesn't just create better students, though. It also instills certain values that make for valuable members of the workplace, dedicated volunteers, and generous benefactors later on in life. Now it's easier than ever for residents to meet the team and share what type of services would help achieve such results. 

"We're thrilled to now be downtown in a new physical space. Our program has existed in Weyburn since 1981, and our mission is to ignite the power and potential of young people through life changing mentoring relationships," said Mohr. "Please give us a shout at 842-4050 or see us at 11 3rd st., Rhiannon would be happy to chat with anybody that is interested in volunteering or getting their children involved in the program!"