It just takes one person to make a difference in a child’s life.

The Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters, 31 S. First St., which serves Marshall County, is encouraging people to sign up to be mentors or “bigs” in honor of National Mentoring Month.

“This is a great time to set a New Year’s resolution to make a change in some way — wanting to do more and make an impact in someone’s life,” BBBS Executive Director Lynne Carroll said.

There are around 32 youths or “littles” on the waiting list to be matched with a mentor in the organization’s school and community-based programs. Applicants may range from age 6 to 18.

To become a school-based mentor, you must be 16 years old or older and 18 or older for the community-based program. Those interested undergo a background check and must provide references. Couples may also sign up to mentor a child together, as there is always a shortage of males involved in the program.

Angie Kuehner, who serves as BBBS community-based coordinator is also a big sister herself.

“With my little, I pick her up from school, bring her home, we do a craft and then make dinner. You don’t have to spend money. You don’t have to come up with some elaborate plan,” she said. “I feel like whatever I give to this child I get tenfold back.”

While the organization asks that bigs commit to a year’s time in mentoring, many go on to spend time with the child for much longer.

Mentors are encouraged to incorporate their littles into everyday activities such as eating dinner together as a family, running errands and going to local events.

Carroll and Kuehner said they’ve seen first-hand how mentors can quickly improve the life of a child.

“We do see big changes. Sometimes right away, and sometimes it takes longer for a child to feel comfortable and open up,” Kuehner said.

Mentors help encourage children to stay motivated in school, set goals, deal with conflict resolution and they offer support that may otherwise not be found in the child’s home life.

“Inspire potential, empower potential, defend potential” is the slogan the national organization has recently adopted. Carroll said the message is for people to realize the role of a mentor is to inspire youth to be active participants in bettering their lives.

Bigs and littles will be recognized at a special event on Jan. 25 held at the Bobcat’s regularly scheduled basketball games at Marshalltown High School.

To apply to be a mentor or to sign up a child, contact the Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters Marshalltown office at 641-753-6370.