MICHIGAN (WJRT) -
(02/27/13) - Michigan State Police and Big Brothers Big Sisters are teaming
up to keep kids out of trouble and on the path to success.
The partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters and MSP targets kids in at
least five cities in the state, including Flint and Saginaw.
Ninth grader Sereniyta Swann wants to be a lawyer one day like her mentor.
This is something she would not have thought twice about if not for Christina
from Big Brothers Big Sisters.
"To be truthful, I was one of those kids that skipped school, didn't go to
school, but I learned Big Brothers Big Sisters been a big influence on me and
one day I hope to be one of the bigs one day," she said.
The partnership between MSP and Big Brothers Big Sisters will make it easier
for kids to avoid at-risk behavior.
"What that partnership is that we're joining together to reduce juvenile
crime in our communities, to reduce truancy and to help kids succeed," said Reta
Stanley, president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Flint.
"The younger we get them, I think the better. The more they know that
somebody actually cares, and then to have a police officer in that role showing
that 'hey, you are somebody special, you do count,'" said Yvonne Brantley with
MSP.
The partnership means more youngsters and more mentors will come into the
program. More kids will also learn about the MSP Youth leadership Academy.
Police encouragement will hopefully motivate these children to keep achieving
beyond high school.
"I think Big Brothers Big Sisters helped me a lot. I want to be a lawyer like
really bad. I want to be a criminal lawyer and I want to be one of the big
lawyers in Lansing," Swann said.
The partnership also includes cross training of staff and increasing at-risk
youth referrals.
