Volunteer mentors sought this month
January 13, 2007, The Fresno Bee

By CHRISTINA VANCE

Cutting people open isn't in R.J. Quiris' plans for the future.

The Clovis High School freshman would like to be a doctor someday, but a cooking lesson with his Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors taught him that he may not be destined to do surgery.

"The way he cuts up chicken, I said, 'Hmm, I don't know, honey,'" said Toni Porter, who has been R.J.'s big sister for about four years.

"He doesn't like blood," agreed Porter's husband, Paul, who also mentors R.J.

R.J. does make a mean sausage-cheese dip, though. He has learned to cook and garden besides doing typical things in the mentoring program — going to movies, sports events and other outings.

The Porters like tossing in atypical activities to expose R.J. to different things. They've taken him to Renaissance fairs, the rodeo and a dog show. They planned on going camping, too.

"He mysteriously got sick that weekend," Toni Porter said, eyeballing R.J. suspiciously. The teenager laughed in response.

R.J., who lives with his sister and grandmother, said he would recommend the program to other people. Simply put, he said, it's fun.

"There were a lot of things I wouldn't have been able to do," he said.

Toni Porter said she and her husband end up venturing out more than they normally would when they spend time with R.J.

"Paul and I get just as much out of this as R.J. does," she said.

Even when it's not January — National Mentoring Month — the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program continues to look for volunteers.

About 79 local children are waiting for mentors through the program that serves Fresno, Kings and Madera counties, spokeswoman Shauna Goodman said.

"The kids just keep coming and coming," she said.

Some children have a longer wait than others. Goodman said the program makes matches based on shared interests, not when a child enters the waiting list. It works well for adults and children to share passions such as fishing or basketball.

"It gives them kind of a starting point to start their relationship," she said.

About 226 children already have matches through the program. Children who spend time with a "fun older friend" are less likely to fall into drugs, gangs and other hazards, Goodman said.

"It's not a response to a problem," she said. "It's preventing a problem."

Toni Porter said R.J.'s grandmother wanted the Porters to make sure he kept up with his grades, but that hasn't been a problem. "Kid's a whiz. He never needs help," she said.

Instead, R.J.'s grandmother has been getting something else — a little more help in the kitchen.

The reporter can be reached at cvance@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6197.