FITCHBURG — Last month businesses, local leaders, and community organizations across the city as well as Worcester and Marlborough turned their communities green to spotlight the need for youth mentorship. Now, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Central Mass & MetroWest is hoping that visibility translates into something lasting — new mentors for more than 100 local young people currently waiting to be matched.
The weeklong Paint the Town Green campaign Sept. 14-20 brought the mission to life through green-lit buildings and storefronts, specialty menu items from local businesses, a proclamation from Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia, artwork from local Littles displayed at Fitchburg City Hall, and a ceremonial first pitch at a WooSox game.
The campaign brought out a community-wide show of support for youth mentorship across Fitchburg and the cities mentioned above and sparked conversations about mentorship and encouraged more people to consider being a mentor.
“Seeing so many businesses, organizations, and community members rally around our Littles and the importance of mentorship was incredibly meaningful,” said BBBS of Central Mass & MetroWest CEO Connie Askin. “Paint the Town Green was designed to get people talking about what it means to show up for a young person, and this community did exactly that. We hope the visibility and conversations created throughout the week inspire even more people to consider becoming a Big and helping us ensure that every young person who needs a mentor has someone in their corner.”
Over the course of the week participating entities found creative ways to bring the campaign to life. Buildings and storefronts displayed green signage and lighting, employees wore green and local restaurants and businesses created specialty offerings, including green cupcakes from The Bean Counter, a Matcha Lemonade Seltzer from Courthouse Brew Co., and green Thai tea from Mint Kitchen and Bar.
Over in Fitchburg Squailia issued an official proclamation recognizing Paint the Town Green and the important role mentorship plays in the community. Fitchburg City Hall also hosted a special gallery featuring artwork created by Littles participating in BBBS programs, putting the voices and creativity of local young people at the center of the celebration.
In Worcester Askin and BBBS of Central Mass & Metrowest Board Chair Arin Whitman-Jemison took the field at Polar Part to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a Worcester Red Sox game, bringing the message of mentorship to fans. Saint Mary’s Credit Union (SMCU) also helped amplify the campaign and BBBS’s need for additional mentors, and BBBS representatives joined an SMCU employee event to share the organization’s mission and introduce staff to opportunities to volunteer as mentors.
While Paint the Town Green has concluded, the need for mentors continues. More than 100 young local people are currently waiting to be matched with a BBBS mentor and nationally, one in three young people grow up without a mentor outside their family.
“Paint the Town Green may only last a week but the relationships we’re working to build can have an impact that lasts a lifetime,” Askin shared. “Our hope is that someone who saw a green building, ordered a green drink, attended an event or heard about the campaign asks themselves one simple question — ‘Could I be that person for a young person in my community?’”
To learn more about becoming a Big or supporting BBBS of Central Mass & MetroWest visit BigsCM.org.
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