Big Brothers Big Sisters is recruiting volunteers in Green Valley Ranch

By Chris Sautter

“There’s nothing better than feeling like you’re doing something good,” says Charlie
Atkins, a mentor with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for nearly 20 years. “And
with a growing Green Valley Ranch community, we need more guys from Green
Valley Ranch stepping up to spend some time with boys in the area.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters is working to recruit more stable and able adult volunteers
for it’s mentoring programs. In addition to his years as a Big Brother, Atkins has
recently begun working with Green Valley Ranch residents to reach out and recruit
more mentors in the area for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, and is interested
in talking with any member of the community who’d like to help.

“There’s nothing like it,” Atkins says. “Have fun with a young man, do simple things
like go to the park or catch a movie, and you make a difference.”

Big Brothers are everyday people like Larry, who’s worked in law enforcement for
years. Larry has been spending time with his Little Brother Mustafa, an 11 year old
young man, for over a year. They get together 2-4 times a month and enjoy simple
activities together.

Recently, Larry and Mustafa finished launching another round of model rockets
together, and as winter sets in they’ve been talking about watching a few football
games together. Larry has been encouraging Mustafa to dive into reading, and
Mustafa has been practicing his skills by reading the owner’s manual of Larry’s
truck out loud as they head to their weekly outing. Larry and Mustafa are a classic
example of a Big Brother and Little Brother – they simply enjoy each other’s company.

Atkins reminds us, “There are just too many kids in the Green Valley Ranch area
waiting for a guy like Larry to show up in their life. In 2010, we need the community’s
help in finding more of these great guys.”

If you or someone you know in the Green Valley Ranch community have recruitment
opportunities for Charlie Atkins, please contact him at (303) 758-1290.

To learn more about becoming a Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer, check out their
website at www.biglittlecolorado.org, or contact them directly at (303) 433-6002
/ bbbs@biglittlecolorado.org.