Big Buddy Program

Specialties

Our Vision — That every child has a positive role model leading him/​her to make good choices resulting in a healthy rewarding life.

Our Mission — To provide access to positive role models and learning experiences to children who lack these resources.

The Big Buddy Program is a local non-​profit (501©(3))youth services agency that provides positive role models and quality learning experiences to over 2,000 disadvantaged children/​youth on a weekly basis in the Baton Rouge community.

For over 30 years the Big Buddy Program has provided children and youth with positive adult role models through the Big Buddy/​Little Buddy mentoring programs; character education and leadership sessions; quality out of school time activities such as after school programs, holiday camps and summer enrichment programs; teen programs that develop literacy skills through self-​expression and creative writing; and numerous other direct services that involve the generosity of time and energy of a dedicated staff

History

Established in 1979.

The Big Buddy idea began as a Psychology class project at LSU in Baton Rouge. Dr. Marion Baum paired her students with children in the community surrounding LSU for a semester of mentoring. Mary West, continued the Big Buddy initiative via the Social Responsibility Committee of Christ the King Catholic Church. West matched students from w/​children from the Roosevelt Terrace public housing community. Soon over 50 student Big Buddies were matched w/​children living in the low-​income area near LSU.

Social Work student Jim Geiser came on board, recruiting volunteers & coordinating group activities.

In 1979 Geiser was named Executive Director.

Geiser grew the program from one-​on-​one matches into weekend play days, sports teams, in-​school activities, afterschool programs, and summer camps.

Gaylynne Mack succeeded Geiser in 2001. Now, Big Buddy boasts successful programs in Mentoring, Extended Learning & Afterschool opportunities, Positive Youth Development, and Workforce Development.

Meet the Manager

Gaylynne M.

Manager

Gaylynne Mack is in her twelfth year as the Executive Director of the Big Buddy Program. Mrs. Gay, as the children she has worked with over her 25 years in Baton Rouge call her, loves her work w/​youth and creating programs that give them the opportunity to grow up to be productive citizens in our community.

Starting as a volunteer at Big Buddy, Mack is intimately aware of what volunteerism can do for an organization and the individual volunteering. Big Buddy attracts and utilizes the strengths of community volunteers to help fulfill the mission of Big Buddy. Mack is committed to providing children/​youth in Baton Rouge w/​quality academic and enrichment programs, unique learning experiences, and positive role models.

A wife and mother, Mack feels youth can do anything you give them the support to do. She believes each person is directly responsible for his or her success. Attitude, good behavior, and the ability to listen are all characteristics one must possess to go far in life