Male mentors continue to be a rarity in Portage. 

The children's waiting list at Portage's Big Brothers Big Sisters serves as indication of the demand the chapter faces. 

 

Out of the 18 children in need of a mentor, 16 of them are boys. 

 

Executive Director Dawn Froese links the shortage of male mentors to a misconception the mentoring program is an overwhelming commitment.  She adds the shortage extends further than the Portage area, and is felt throughout the country. 

 

Adding to the demand for mentors is the slower summer months when the in-school mentoring program is in idle.  But despite the shortage Froese believes cross-gender matching isn't the answer. 

 

She hopes to hold an open house where people can learn of the program without having to commit.