Consistency, commitment and passion are a few qualities needed to make a positive impact on someone’s life, and three community groups are using those to make life better for at-risk youth.

Members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and Delta Phi Mu Sorority have teamed up to create a mentoring program for underprivileged adolescents ranging in ages 10 to 14 called Young Forever.

Tiarya Pye, the volunteer coordinator and supervisor of the Young Forever program, said it was created to bridge the gap between the community and local youth.

“The former president (Nicholas Simpson) of Iota Phi Theta reached out to our Big Brothers Big Sisters to give children who are less fortunate a chance to reach high potential, and to show them support throughout their life.” Pye said.

The members of IPT have met with the children they mentor – more commonly known as “littles” – every Wednesday and Saturday since October.

Otis Woods, a senior from Chicago studying radiological science and current president of IPT, said the volunteers help the children with their homework Wednesdays, and Saturdays partake in activities ranging from recreational activities to taking them to social functions.

IPT and the women of Delta Phi Mu took their little brothers and sisters to the 19th Annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake in Carterville at SI Bowl Saturday for their weekend activity.

Ramona Girtman, program coordinator for the Carbondale chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, said Bowl for Kids’ Sake is the program’s signature fundraiser.

“This fundraiser caught on to other BBBS chapters because of how easy and fun it is to do,” she said. “You don’t have to have a special skill, just come out and bowl.”

Girtman said this year’s fundraiser raised around $5,000. She said the money goes to training volunteers and matching volunteers with the children.

Girtman said programs like Young Forever are part of their evidence-based philosophy.

“Children involved are 33 percent less likely to be in a violent situation, their academic achievement increases and risky behavior such as drug and alcohol abuse is reduced,” she said. “The Iotas and other people involved in Young Forever are amazing volunteers.”

Woods said being a mentor is a dream come true.

“Being a part of Young Forever enlightens me on how spending time with someone can change his or her life,” he said. “For example, if you care about their academics, they will start to care as well.”

Woods said dealing with different personalities is not always easy, but the challenge is what keeps him and his fraternity brothers grounded.

“These kids really look up to us, and it is eye-opening to be someone’s role model,” he said. “The kids enjoy being around us, and always call us to see what we’re doing with them each week.”

Although the program is fairly new, Woods said he believes Young Forever will eventually expand onto other campuses.

“A good mentor needs to be committed,” he said. “You also need consistency, you need to be engaged, and you need to have initiative. We will eventually connect Young Forever programs across the Midwest region. I see this going global one day.”

Terence Bolden, a junior from Clarksville, Tenn., studying radiological science and treasurer of IPT, said the program puts them at a higher standard compared to other mentoring programs.

“Most people don’t realize that outside of the college campus, Carbondale is full of poverty,” he said. “With our program, we want to simply give back to our community. Our program is different because we not only have a relationship with the kids, but their families as well.”

Bolden said the members and the kids are very close, and the boys and girls are like everyone’s little brother or sister.

“I never had a mentor or a big brother growing up,” he said. “Being a mentor is great because it fulfills someone else and myself at the same time. The most important part about all of this is letting them know that you genuinely care about them.”

Kia Smith can be reached at [email protected], on Twitter @KiaSmith__ or at 536-3311 ext. 268.