Big Brothers, Big Sisters seek adults to help
January 11, 2007, The Oregonian

By MAYA BLACKMUN

Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, which serves children and volunteers throughout the Portland metropolitan area and its suburbs, is hoping National Mentoring Month will inspire more adults to try enhancing the lives of young ones and getting the joys that come in return.

"To see a child's eyes open wide to experience something for the first time, that's what it's all about, the little moments," said Lynn Thompson, the organization's chief executive officer.

Volunteers from Lake Oswego, Hillsboro and Tigard agree they've gained a sense of family that reaches out into the community.

Thompson explained that 1,807 children currently have Big Brothers and Sisters through the program in five counties in the Portland area. But there's a waiting list of 900.

Thompson noted there are a variety of volunteer opportunities, from those who want to volunteer several hours each week having recreational fun with a child to just an hour a week after school. There are options for those who want to volunteer as individuals or as a couple.

Most of the children are referred by school counselors or teachers. The children can come from homes with single parents, large families, low incomes or limited means.

Thompson, a 47-year-old Portland woman who also is a Big Sister to two girls, said the organization strives to make matches that reflect the interests and capabilities of both the volunteers and the children. The organization also provides training, ideas and discounted or free tickets to a variety of activities.

Pam James of Lake Oswego has been a Big Sister for about 11/2 years to a 7-year-old girl who has a "wonderful single mother with four children (who) works full time."

James, a 52-year-old homemaker, was looking for a way to help the community after her sons graduated from college. She said she and her Little Sister have visited the zoo, made a gingerbread house, and performed community service.

"I love it," James said, "I'm hoping to stay with her for years to come."

Kelly Couch, a 25-year-old computer engineer from Hillsboro, has been a Big Brother to a 7-year-old boy with a single mother for about a year. Trail Blazer basketball games, going to the arcade and taking a walk around the boy's school are all ways they spend time together as Couch tries to also serve as a role model.

"Once I get to hang out with him," he said, "I really enjoy it."

Sandy and Pat Gowins of Tigard, a part-time bookkeeper and district sales manager, have found having an 8-year-old Little Brother together has enriched their marriage.

They were matched with the boy last May or June, their concerns eased by taking it on together. They don't have children.

"It's nice to see that side of my husband," said Sandy Gowins, 40, "and to see how he's grown with it."

Playing laser tag, golfing, and walking with the boy have given Pat Gowins a way to spend time with his wife differently. He thought at first he'd be the male figure in the boy's life, but it's turned out to be more of a friendship in which they widen each others' interests.

The boy enjoys taking the Gowins' big dogs to the dog park. He also likes to skate and got 42-year-old Pat out on the ice, and everyone came home full of smiles.

"I look forward to," Pat Gowins said, "watching him grow."

Maya Blackmun: 503-294-5926; mayablackmun @news.oregonian.com.