AMERICAN PRESS: Big Brothers Big Sisters looking to add schools, mentors to Lunch Buddy program

Published 9:00 am Monday, August 25, 2025

By Emily Burleigh

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana’s Lunch Buddy Program makes the impact of mentorship relationships more accessible to students and volunteers alike. Bigs meet with their Littles during lunch or enrichment periods at least twice a month throughout the school year. They read, play games, work on school projects and bond through conversation while forming beneficial mentorship relationships. This program is an opportunity to provide the benefits of a long-term mentorship in a “shorter, more structured format.” They started with just a few schools, but now are in 20 schools throughout Calcasieu, Jeff Davis and Beauregard parishes.

In the 2024-25 school year, they had 38 big and little participants in the program. Their goal for the 2025-26 school year is to add eight more schools and have 70 matches. BBBS-SWLA is currently looking for volunteers to achieve this goal. Children who participate in the program show improvements in school attendance and grades, and enhanced social skills, said Jade English, site-based coordinator, BBBS-SWLA. “Having a consistent, caring adult in their life gives them a sense of stability that can really change things for the better,” she said. “Sharing a meal is a simple, human thing that makes it easy to connect. It’s a time without the pressure of schoolwork, where mentors and mentees can just hang out, get to know each other and build trust.”

While the program is made to provide support to students, those who volunteer as Bigs benefit from the mentorship relationships as well. They develop a deeper sense of purpose while gaining new perspectives and forming long-lasting connections with their Littles, she said. The school-based program was established to create more mentoring opportunities for adults who want to become Bigs, but do not have the time to commit to the traditional, long-term program. Volunteer Ashley Domingue wanted to become a BBBS volunteer for years, but was concerned about the time commitment of the Community Program. The Lunch Buddy program allows her to donate a couple of hours a month.

Through the process, she learned that it doesn’t take much time to make a widespread impact. “When I show up for lunch with my Little, her whole class gets excited and I’m able to share a bit about myself with each of them while spending time with my Little,” she said. “This program has also given me something to look forward to when I get to spend time with my Little and hear about how her week has been since the last time I got to hang out with her.” Volunteers go through a screening process that involves a background check and an interview. After volunteers are approved, they participate in a full orientation where they learn program rules and professional boundaries. Volunteers are assisted throughout the process by Match Support Specialists.