Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA Celebrates National Volunteer Month

LAKE CHARLES, La. — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana is celebrating National Volunteer Month by recognizing the mentors who help shape young lives through meaningful, one-to-one relationships. Throughout April, the organization is spotlighting local “Bigs” who dedicate time, energy and care to the youth in their community. These volunteers come from all walks of life but share a common purpose: to show up, be consistent and help their Littles reach their full potential.

Lauren Theriot, a local Big Sister, said she volunteered because she wanted to reach someone who may be facing similar struggles and hopefully ease some of their worries. “I just felt the need to inspire,” she said.

Other Bigs shared memories like singing karaoke at CiCi’s Pizza or watching their Little experience the splash pad for the first time. Big Brother Rakendric Lewis recalled the power of a simple phone call he received recently from his “little brother”, “He called just to say he missed me. That really stuck with me.”

Many volunteers described how the experience helped them grow, too—teaching them patience, gratitude and the power of leading by example. “It’s so rewarding to spend time with your Little,” said Big Sister Giovanna Gaspard. “They end up teaching you just as much as you teach them.”

The agency encourages adults across the region to consider becoming a mentor. Volunteers commit just a few hours each month, but the impact is lasting—for both the Big and the Little. Many describe the experience as one of the most meaningful things they’ve done.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our mentoring mission,” said Jillian Cormier, chief executive officer. “Without them, there would be no Big Brothers Big Sisters. Their commitment is what makes it possible for us to change lives and build a stronger community, one match at a time.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana currently serves more than 400 youth across 20 schools and has recorded more than 2,500 volunteer hours this year. In addition to individual mentors, the agency partners with community organizations and institutions that help provide consistent volunteer support. These include McNeese State University’s Burton College of Education, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Kappa League.

To read more heartwarming testimonies from local Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers, visit www.bbbsswla.org/ national-volunteer-month.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana (BBBS SWLA) has been of facilitating meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and children ages 6–18 in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Vernon parishes for over 45 years. As the region’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring agency BBBS SWLA has a proud history of defending the potential of youth by creating and growing innovative mentoring programs. BBBS of SWLA believes that one-to-one mentoring relationships ignite the power and promise of youth so they can achieve their full potential.

For more information, visit www.bbbsswla.org.