NORWICH – With the New Year approaching, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Chenango County is preparing to celebrate National Mentoring Month, which highlights mentoring and the positive impact it can have on young lives, according to www.nationalmentoringmonth.org.

“Our community based program provides youths, ages 6 to 14, with individualized time on a regular basis, typically 2 to 4 times a month for several hours,” said Kobie Decker, BBBS program director for Chenango County. “We also have a school based program, in which high school juniors and seniors spend time each week with a younger student.”

A recent study, conducted by Public/Private Ventures, examined the impact mentoring has on today’s youth. Statistically, 46 percent were less likely to use drugs, 27 percent were less likely to use alcohol, 52 percent skipped less school and 33 percent were less likely to hit someone.