Congressman Dan Kildee promotes Big Brothers Big Sisters program

David C Bristow | dbristow@mlive.com U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee speaks at an event promoting the Big Brothers Big Sisters program at The World Outreach Campus Church in Saginaw, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015. It is important for all youth to have positive role models, Kildee said.

(David C Bristow | MLive.com)

SAGINAW, MI — U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint Township, is in search of 500 local adults to step forward for the sake of young people.

During a visit to Saginaw Thursday, Jan. 15, Kildee addressed a need for adult mentors to participate in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in Saginaw, Genesee, Bay, Midland and Isabella counties.

"We have a challenge," Kildee said. "Are there 500 adults who will stand up to that this week, next week and offer themselves to make a difference in the life of an individual?"

Within the five-county region, nearly 500 children are waiting for a big brother or big sister, according to information provided by Kildee's office.

Kildee represents Michigan's 5th congressional district, which includes Genesee, Bay, Arenac and Iosco counties and parts of Tuscola and Saginaw counties.

"I know they're out there," he said. "We have to take the message to them, because I guarantee they will stand up.

"I think there are 500 or 1,000 or 5,000 people who will spend an hour or two a week with a young person."

During the event, held at World Outreach Campus Church at 2405 Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region President and CEO Susan Putnam said that one of the excuses she often hears from those who don't mentor is that they don't have time.

In order to counteract that argument, Putnam introduced Saginaw City Council member Michael Balls, who has mentored with the program for 25 years.

"He's one busy man, yet he still finds the time," Putnam said.

Balls said he dealt with a lot of tragedy growing up, including the death of his grandfather in a car accident, in which Balls was the only survivor. Not long after that, his father left their family and then his mother died.

Those tragic life experiences helped Balls relate to the kids he mentored.

"I understand how they feel," he said.

Setting aside a little time to talk to a young person, take them somewhere special or just fix their bicycle doesn't just help that young person, Balls said.

"It helps me out, as well as the community as a whole," he said.

Wayne Aldrich, a former little brother, said having mentor Jeff Dupuis in his life as a child made a huge impact on him.

"He's always been that person in my life that I can lean on," Aldrich said.

Now, 25 years after he first met Dupuis, Aldrich said he attributes his success in life to having that positive role model around after his dad died when he was just 8 years old.

"Jeff has taught me a lot more, I think, than anybody I've ever met," Aldrich said.

Hurley Coleman Jr., pastor at Would Outreach Campus Church, urged other pastors in attendance to challenge their congregations to become involved in mentoring.

According to information released by Kildee, Big Brothers Big Sisters Great Lakes Bay Region is most in need of male mentors.

"Nobody has an excuse," Kildee said. "You don't know who to call? I'll tell you who to call.

"Call my office. We'll connect you with the right organization, wherever you live."

Kildee's office number is 810-238-8627.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters Great Lakes of the Great Lakes Bay Region visit bbbsgreatlakesbay.org.

— Jessica Shepherd is a reporter with MLive/The Saginaw News. Contact her at 989-996-0687, email her at jessica_shepherd@mlive.com or follow her on Twitter or Facebook.You can also hear her Fridays at 8 a.m. on 102.5 WIOG's Nate and Rachel in the Morning.