Timothy Williams had idols when he was growing up. There was the baseball coach who was also a police officer, and an alderman who regularly shared a drink with his family at church on Sundays. Looking back at those elements, he still feels grateful.
“I grew up in a community where I had good examples of adults who were supportive,” Williams said. “I think it’s something that’s missing from the community now.”
So he joined. According to the group’s materials, the Dolton resident has been a youth advisor since 2016 for the nonprofit organization NabrU — referred to as “Urban” — which attempts to improve the lives of youth “by changing not the location but their situation.” Does.
It has become easier for Williams and other workers to reach local youth after Nabru teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago for programming in the Dolton Park District.
“The timing made sense for us to work together because they had relationships with area schools and we were an organization with counselors,” Williams said, explaining the background checks and training for the group’s nearly 20 counselors. Williams said. NabrU was hosting a turkey drive, toy giveaway and Father’s Day event at Parkside Academy in Chicago.
Brenda Boyd, Southland regional director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, said the organization has historically supported the city, but not the Far South and south suburban communities. But when CEO Jeremy Foster was told the need existed, everything changed. The South Suburban office opened in Homewood in October 2023 to support 55 communities in Southland.
Boyd said his mission was to create programming partnerships with schools, churches and businesses and match mentors with youth.
“Dolton is a vibrant community that has historically supported the well-being of its youth and the youth of the community,” Boyd said. “By starting a program in Dalton, BBBS makes itself a part of the community through connectivity and engagement.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters now also has a Youth Education Development Academy at the Richton Park Community Center and a Thornton High School BIGS program, which pairs juniors and seniors as mentors with Bryant Elementary School students in Harvey.
Boyd said they are also recruiting for other programs. Lynnwood Lunch Buddies connects first responders and community members with students in Sandridge School District 172. Lansing Lunch Buddies connects first responders and community members with students at Memorial Junior High School. The Calumet City Teen Reach program connects fraternities and sororities with youth. Matteson also has a Glenwood Academy High School Bigs program and a Timber Ridge community-based program.
The Daulton program includes time for relationship building, a structured group activity, breakfast and free time for personal stories and interests and walks. Alissa Lockhart is the facilitator there.
Last month the trainers received the bikes and passes for the trainers to attend the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden with them. In the coming months they will also host a community cupcake and canvas paint event and meet and greet guests. There is emphasis on helping the boys.
“Male guidance is important because it provides positive role models to young boys, helps them develop a healthy sense of identity, navigate challenges specific to their gender and by providing guidance and support from a mature male figure. Learns valuable life skills, which can be especially helpful.” This is important when the father figure in their lives is absent or limited,” Boyd said. “NabrU’s positive role models are providing our youth with valuable life skills, mental health support and social connections in trusting, committed, supportive mentoring relationships.”
Boyd said she saw firsthand the help she helped a young man who had spent years in foster care and was adopted by a single mother.
“She has expressed on numerous occasions how our program and our commitment to her son has made a difference in her and her son’s life and their relationship,” Boyd said.
Tracy Skinner began volunteering for the Daulton location several months ago as a way to give back to the community. He is happy that he is guiding.
“We have to start back in our youth,” said Skinner, who lives in Flossmoor. “I’m giving him someone he can contact.
“He’s a really good kid and he’s really receptive to feedback,” Skinner said.
Williams said the program is more than just mentoring.
“It’s showing kids that they matter,” Williams said. “It’s showing that they have someone in their corner who is supporting their victory.”