Big Brothers Big Sisters makes it easier to get involved

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A mentoring program that's been around for more than a century is now making it even easier to get involved, and one Kalamazoo school is jumping at the chance to help out their students.

Quinntonia Lampkins isn't a big fan of math, but with the help of her big sister from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, those math problems are a little bit easier to solve.

“They can teach me stuff I don't even know,” said Lampkins, “they can help me like the big brother or big sister that I always wanted.”

Lampkins is a sixth grader at Milwood Magnet School in Kalamazoo. This year the school is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters, hoping to give their students some extra guidance and support.

“Having that person who comes by weekly for kind of coach and mentor and push and ask questions and kind of hold you accountable a little bit it starts to kind of grow with kids,” said Kevin Campbell, Principal of Milwood Magnet School.

Traditionally Big Brothers and Big Sisters would meet with their little brothers and sisters on their own time, finding their own locations, but this new program makes it easier to get involved. It pairs up local businesses with schools, allowing workers to take time out of their work day to help kids like Lampkins.

“This is just an invaluable opportunity for myself to develop a relationship with someone like Quinntonia,” said Big Sister Mary-Frances Oliphant.

Volunteers spend one day a week during the lunch break helping their little brothers or sisters with everything from math problems to real life issues.

“So I can be her mentor and help her with life experiences so she can grow and become successful hopefully in the future, just like she aspires to be,” said Oliphant.