Big Brothers and Big Sisters of DeKalb County is looking for individuals who are interested in guiding a child through the wonders of early life.

Program Director Silvia Lee-Thompson said the program has been operating in DeKalb County as part of a national network for about 20 years.

“It’s a way to really help a child in a big way as opposed to those programs which help a lot of children in a little way,” Lee-Thompson said.

The program is looking for big brothers and big sisters to be matched up with children who are not getting the adult attention they need, she said.

Anyone who can make at least a one year commitment, except first-semester freshman, can apply. But, she said big brothers are in particularly great demand because the program usually has a larger number of little brothers than little sisters.

“We’re always needing more big brothers than big sisters,” Lee-Thompson said.

Mike Joyce, a big brother since February, said the program has given him a great experience. “I’d encourage more people to join, especially guys,” he said.

“I’ve gotten to see my little sister grow over the years and change. I’ve seen and helped her through the tough times,” said case worker and three-year big sister Jenny Taylor.

The program is not only beneficial to little siblings, but to their older counterparts as well.

“It’s good because you see how just a little of your time means so much to them,” Joyce said.

“It’s made me become more responsible and more aware of people’s feelings,” Taylor said.

Married couples are also encouraged to apply for a single little brother or little sister, Lee-Thompson said.

“It gives the kids from single-parent families the opportunity to see a healthy relationship,” she said.

Orientation meetings for individuals interested in becoming a big brother or big sister are Oct. 6, 19, and 29.

Orientation meetings for parents interested in enrolling their children in the program will be on Oct. 5 and 13.

All meetings will be held at the Family Service Agency, 14 Health Services Drive, in DeKalb.

Call 758-8616 for more information.