Wade on Birmingham

Give back, give hope

By

A public service announcement: Gimme five. Five minutes of your time.

One of my favorite organizations is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham. The volunteers and staff there work hard to see that each child in the Birmingham area who needs a friend has a friend. But it hardly seems like work when children succeed and thrive, when otherwise they may have been cast aside.

I’ve spent three years serving on the Young Advisory Board. Our meeting today reminded me that we need people like you to lend a hand.

Some people mistakenly believe that this terrific program requires more time than they can give. But you — yeah, you — can sign up today to be a volunteer, making an immediate difference in these young lives. One way is to be a Big Sister or Big Brother, spending a couple of hours every other week with a great kid.

We also work with kids in school, with volunteers who spend a hour a week talking, listening, laughing and sharing with their “Littles.”

One program that deserves more attention is Faithful Friends. Not only you but your whole church can reach out to children from Jefferson, Shelby and other counties. These kids have but one unfortunate circumstance in common: One parent is in prison.

That puts these children at higher risk for ending up in prison themselves. Is that even fair, to be 10 and already facing a life behind bars?

Learn more with this compelling five-minute video.

If you’re ready to take the next step — or just want to know about all the ways you can help the cause — contact Kim Egan by phone at (205) 939-5590 or by e-mail. Or drop me a line with any questions.

And you probably know someone who would make a great “Big,” someone who would light up a child’s life. Tell them to get involved, or ask us to contact them.

I will gladly come out to your church, synagogue, mosque or house of worship to preach the virtues of Big Brothers Big Sisters. I got involved because someone asked. Now, I’m asking you.

It starts today. With you.

And it ends with smiles all around.

2 Yips for “Give back, give hope”

  1. Good News in Birmingham
    Thursday, October 26, 2006, 5:24 pm
    1

    Big challenge

    Want to lend a hand in the community? Come out to Otey’s Tavern tonight (and next Thursday, Nov. 2) to find out more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham.
    Starting at 6 p.m., we’ll have good food and good music for a good ca…

  2. gary asher
    Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 11:05 am
    2

    Wade,

    I look forward to working with you. You are a gifted writer and I feel your soul. I especially enjoyed the New Orleans story. We have a solid mission. An investment in all of our futures and in the generations to come. I am grateful for the calling I have recieved to bring the needs of these kids to the attention of people who can help and support them.

    I remain yours sincerely,

    Gary Asher
    Partnership Development Director (BBBS)

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