The Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana is launching its Lunch Buddy program at Welsh Elementary School.

Through the program, elementary students are paired with adult mentors who visit them twice a month at school. The visits can take place during breakfast, lunch or enrichment, according to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwest Louisiana Marketing and Development Manager Julia Tassin.

“This unique program provides students with a consistent, supportive relationship that helps students build confidence, improve social skills and develop positive relationships,” Tassin said.

The program is fully backed and supported by teachers and guidance counselors.

“When they see a child that needs the additional support a Lunch Buddy provides, they send information home to the parent,” Tassin said. “”If a parent is interested in having their child enroll in the program, they can reach out to their child’s teacher or guidance counselor or BBBS staff for more information and an application.”

While most Littles’ lunch periods are only 20-30 minutes, even this brief amount of time can have a profound impact on both the child’s and the mentor’s lives, Tassin said.

“For students the program provides consistent mentorship, encouragement and social-emotional support during the school day,” she said. “Having a trusted mentor boosts their self-confidence, academic engagement and communication skills, helping them feel valued and motivated.”

For volunteers, the program offers a fulfilling opportunity to impact a child’s life through “simple, consistent interactions,” Tassin said.

“Mentors develop a deeper understanding of the challenges youth face, build strong connections within the community, and experience the joy of positively influencing a child’s growth and development,” she said.

Any adult 18 years or older can apply for the Lunch Buddy program at bbbsswla.org. An interview and background check are required.

“You don’t have to have your life completely together or be perfect to be a Big,” Tassin said. “A good Big is one who simply shows up reliably as their true self for their Little.”

Bigs and Littles are paired based on shared interests.