Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri is facing a volunteer shortage.
More than 600 kids are waiting for a mentor — and about 80 percent are African American boys.
The local branch of the nonprofit is launching a program in the hopes of filling the volunteer gap and building trust within communities of color. The “Big Responders” program will pair police officers, paramedics and firefighters with kids in the St. Louis area.
The goal is for both sides to learn from one another, said Linda Robinson, director of volunteer recruitment for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri.
“For a young child to be partnered up with a firefighter or a police officer, it changes the outlook for both sides,” Robinson said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has partnered with community leaders to help recruit first responders for the program, including Dan Isom, former St. Louis Metropolitan Police chief, and Cliff Robinson, Florissant Valley Fire Protection District deputy chief.