Big Brothers/Big Sisters of DeKalb is looking for volunteers who are interested in befriending children of single-parent households.

Two fall orientation meetings will be held to inform volunteers of general information and program requirements. Susan Petersen, Big Brothers/Big Sisters program director, said the meetings also serve as the first step in a detailed screening process to select members.

The first meeting will be held Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Family Service Agency, 3131 Sycamore Road, in DeKalb.

The next meeting will take place Oct. 5 at 9:15 p.m. in Holmes Student Center room 506.

The Big Brothers/Big Sisters program is a national organization, started in 1971, which gives single-parent children, ages seven to 14 years old, an alternative to lonliness while their parents work.

Adult volunteers, ages 16 or older, are matched with children and take part in fun, weekly activities and outings.

“The reactions of the kids are extremely positive,” Petersen said. “They are also volunteers and they really want to be involved,” she said.

The screening process for applicants, which lasts about two months, includes orientation meetings, an application with three references, a personal interview, a home visit and a criminal record check. The screening aids in selecting volunteers as well as determining their compatibility with the children.

“All we ask of members is that they make serious commitments and they act as positive role models,” Petersen said. “Sometimes the kids just need someone to talk to.”

Cars are not required of volunteers, and participation in low-cost activities, such as NIU functions, movies and hikes, are stressed.

Each month the program allows all the children and volunteers to get together for group activities.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters volunteer Debbie Kusulas commented, “Being a big sister has been a great experience for me as well as my kid. It has opened my eyes to things I’m not normally exposed to. I highly recommend it to anyone willing to take the responsibility.”